O Captain My Captain

"O Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done" (Walt Whitman)

"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing..." (Martina McBride) We celebrate our Independence from Tyranny on the 4th of July. Many attend picnics, parties and fireworks displays. Hopefully...we all remember why we are celebrating! I am forever grateful to all the many men and women who ensure that we have our continued liberties. Many parts of the world are still under dictatorship...under extremely wretched "living" conditions and lack basic human rights. We are quite fortunate to have many blessings and abundance...we must remember and help those that lack the basics.

This post is dedicated to my friends Carlyle and Debbie...thanks for hosting such a fabulous celebration. Everything was wonderful! So much laughter, food and fun! Thanks to Tom, grill master extraordinaire...best darn ribs EVER!

Debbie, Marilyn and Annabelle enjoying a boat ride...

What the men "do" after cooking and eating...

What the women "do" after cooking and eating...

Sunset over Lake Wateree...

The day comes to a close... the celebrations continue...fireworks on the lake...the Princess of Quite A Lot with the assistance of the Diva created the most scrumptious peach ice cream...so many memories created...may we all cherish our days...laugh with our friends and family...enjoy all life has to offer...

Celebration

After attending church and children taking naps we celebrated...

For "Ree Ree's" 25th birthday, she requested the bunny cake from her childhood...go figure!

I haven't made THE "bunny" cake in...oh...about 20 years! It took a LOT of icing to hold that silly rabbit together. My Mom tinted the coconut for the grass! I thought the cake was rather cute...til a couple of boys put jelly beans everywhere. One would have to get very creative indeed to top CurlyWurlyGurly's Easter Repast ...I shall say no more, you have to see that for yourself, in addition the "Curly Gurl" painted some lovely eggs and Curly invited the s.l.o.b.s. poolside for some Florida fun! Thanks CWG!!!

I painstakingly decorated the Easter Egg Tree...several grandchildren whom shall remain nameless have redecorated it several times...much to my OCD chagrin...oh well, at least it was fun!

Michelle, Heather and Lindsey before the blowing out of the "trick" sparkler candles

P.S. Lindsey is expecting Baby # 3 in September!

Ree Ree gets a little help from the boys! The trick candles did not re-light as often as I hoped for...however did sparkle and crackle quite nicely. After dinner and cake eating...on to the eggstravaganza...Good Times for All!

Many eggs were found filled with candy, toys and dollar bills! Hunter always gives his dollar to MiMi...(great grandma)