We had a fun 4th this year – we had friends and family over while Tim and his brother Brian “smoked” (a.k.a. bbq’ed) some chickens (beer can chicken that is) and sausage. We also attended the Arlington 4th of July parade in the morning. Ben had fun watching the high school bands and the firetrucks. Here is the Martin H.S. band (we got there too late to see Lamar, Tim’s Alma Mater) and here is Ben clapping for them…Luckily the weather held out most of the day except for one downpour, so we were able to enjoy the outdoors a little bit despite the humidity. During the parade we found a spot in the shade that had a little breeze and Gavin and I hung out there while Tim and Ben went to get a closer look at the festivities. I didn’t have any red on so I dressed Gavin in all red and said since we are together most of the time anyway, he could be my “red!” HA!The boys played (Ben, friends Ethan and Daniel and cousin Jack) most of the day so Ben was super tired that night. Tim thinks he was asleep by the time he closed the door! Claudia, Barrie and I were the only woman in the house and we were surely outnumbered! Here’s a shot of most of us at the table enjoying dinner.And, if anyone is wondering how it looks around here with all the rain lately, let me show you the river in our park that’s around the corner from our neighborhood. Here’s a shot Tim took last week off the television news. Yes, it’s a picture off of our TV! Anyway, notice the water is basically up to the footbridge when ususally it’s a good 8 to 10 feet below, I would say.

Tim had gone out there and taken a picture himself ot the same spot but the water wasn’t quite as high when he did, so I thought this was more impressive! Anyway, hopefully we are in for a little break from the rain. I pray for all the people who have lost loved ones or property to all this mess. When it rains it pours!

Lastly, here is a composite picture Tim did of the boys at basically the same age. Ben was 49 days old when his picture was taken and Gavin was 51. See any resemblence? I don’t really at this stage, but it at least looks to me that they could be brothers.