how is it thursday already?

It seems like every time we go somewhere, it takes me so long to get back into the swing of things here at home. Today I just downloaded our pictures from the Fourth. And I realized it is Thursday ALREADY. Crazy how fast this week is going.

This is the first time in four years (I think) that we haven't hosted a party at our house for the Fourth. Joel's cousins had invited us to come see them over the Fourth, so we decided to change it up a little this year. It was fun to be able to spend time with them.

The original plan was to hang out by the pool all day. Instead it rained most of the afternoon and we just hung out inside and talked. By the time evening rolled around the skies cleared and we spent the rest of the evening outside. The weather was beautiful. Joel's cousins have an awesome backyard with a pool...

and these fantastic lounge chairs. It was very relaxing.

When the sun went down we were entertained by an awesome fireworks show. We didn't even have to go anywhere. And Levi slept through the whole thing. 

Joel's brother James came along with us. He is home from China for a few months. It is great to have him around! I don't know how to explain this picture...it must be a cousin thing.

Thanks Sands and Heusers for inviting us. We loved our time together. Come to Kansas soon!

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Today is my little brothers birthday (left). He is 19..which means he is almost 20. (I know, I'm a genius.) It is weird for your baby brother to be almost 20. And the worst part is...that means I am almost 30. Yikes! Thank goodness my hubby gets to reach that milestone before me. Levi and I got to have breakfast with my brother and his girlfriend this morning. My other crazy brother (right) came by too. Levi was loving the attention.

Happy birthday Owen!

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And right now I am attempting to make a chocolate peanut butter pie to take to small group tonight. I have never made it before (that was probably my first mistake). My crust came out of the oven kinda crumbly still. I am wondering if I should have added a little extra butter. But I followed the recipe EXACTLY and I don't have that cooking instinct that alerts you when the recipe isn't working and tells you exactly what to do to fix it. I wish I had that. I am pretty sure my pie won't look as good as the picture. I might not even have enough time for the pie to set up before we have to leave. It is taking longer than I thought. Obviously I didn't plan very well. So, I am sitting here thinking about what my plan B should be if my pie making turns into a disaster. This is why I don't make pies.

Hope you all are having a good week!