Family, Fireworks, & Other Merriments

To begin this post, allow me to start with a direct quote from the weekend:

Emily (to Dennis on the way to a parade): "Do you like parades?"
Dennis (in all seriousness): "Oh, I like anything of merriment and people."

These words describe our humorous personality differences better than perhaps any conversation could...we got a good laugh afterwards:) Unfortunately, the parade did not exceed my low expectations, but our weekend camping up north with Denny's family more than compensated for the line of 1990's convertibles driven by local politicians and dance squads. It included everything a good vacation should: great talks with family, lots of ice cream and grilled food, and time on the beach. This summer was especially meaningful, as it was our first year camping without Dennis' father, whose presence was felt everywhere. A special time indeed...

And, to make a great weekend even greater, we made a stop in Grand Rapids on Thursday night to see Mat Kearney perform with Bekah and Ryan. Unlike the parade, Mat exceeded our expectations and the night was made complete with great friends who kept us laughing with their re-enactment of Job from "Arrested Development." (great brew from the Hop Cat and chili dogs afterwards didn't hurt:)

Happy 4th to each of you! I hope it was a time enjoyed, wherever and whoever you were with..