4th of July at Colleen Houck Residence
Happy belated 4th of July America!
This summer has been a whirlwind of activities for Colleen from attending RT Book Convention in May, going to San Diego Comic Con, finishing edits for book two of the Egyptian series, working on the novella, prepping for the REAWAKENED book launch coming up in August and hosting family for the week of Fourth of July. I’d like to share some of our highlights these past weeks, some fun, others delicious, a couple exciting and yet tiring, and I’d be lying if there wasn’t a little insanity, but. . . mostly it has been crazy cool! I begin at the doorstep of the Houck residence. . .
Colleen and Brad worked and worked and worked like Christmas elves getting everything just perfect for our family coming to visit for the holidays. If you know anything about Colleen, you know that she ALWAYS gives 150% and goes way WAY above and beyond anyone’s expectations. So, needless to say, when my family set foot across the threshold, we were transported to a magical world of stars, sparkles, and stripes, a place where we all feel like children on Christmas morning, a place Walt Disney himself would want to visit.
Here are just a couple pictures of the decorations (keep in mind these pics do not do it justice):
Colleen and Brad surprised us with goody baskets for each person perfectly presented on our guest beds. I didn’t think to take a picture but everything was themed (of course it was). The children were doted on and spoiled with sticker books, candy, head bands, hats, bubbles, Pez dispensers, toys, children’s books, beach buckets and beach towels, 4th of July outfits and pajamas, oh my goodness, the list goes on and on. Did I say spoiled with love? The adults were treated with tantalizing treats and goodies as well! (Our baskets were much better than this pic, but hey… you can use your imagination.)
The beautiful sunrise in Salem greeted us on the morning of the fourth and we started the day with a run (a necessary preparation for the delicious food we would feast on later). Check out this breathtaking view! Yes, this is Colleen’s view from their very own backyard!
After we showered and dressed in our patriotic garb, the festivities commenced with more family arriving to join in and celebrate. There was berry picking, bubbles, games, puzzles, prizes, playing outside with balls, barbequing, bubbly beverages, firecracker cookies and fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks, giggles and smiles, and brand new memories for all to cherish! Here are a couple snap shots,
Firecracker Snickerdoodles
The food was, as expected, over the top AND amazing! I didn’t get pics of everything but there were chicken and veggie skewers, stuffed burgers, corn on the cob, cherry pie and coconut pie, red-white-& blue beverages, and much much more. I didn’t have enough room to try everything. My eyes kept saying “oh yes” but my stomach was saying “for crying out loud woman, take a break”.
The evening’s activities ended with the tradition of lighting and watching fireworks. The weather was cooler by evening and the falling skies held a light breeze that made the evening magical. Colleen, myself and several family members rocked back and forth on the front porch swing. We watched the children wave their sparklers like wizard’s wands while the light danced on their eyes. . We listened to their excitement as each firework lit up the sky. In that moment, warmth filled my heart and I was content.
Mom and dad weren’t there and so the holiday wasn’t the same. Dad taught us what it means to be a true patriot and was always a part of the pancake breakfast that took place each and every year at our church. He always wore a patriotic tie and tie tac on the Sunday before and cried when we would sing Star Spangled Banner or My Country Tis of Thee. He is greatly missed as is our mom who still teaches by example. Happy belated 4th of July everyone!
