That seemed wise since we are in the second week of triple digit temps that have made it so dry that a burn ban is in effect. In fact, all individual fireworks have been shut down.
It's sad to drive by all the fireworks stands and not see ONE customer. Some folks are taking a huge hit to the wallet this Fourth of July.
With time to look out the windows, we were entertained by some new backyard visuals.
In the morning, we noticed a brown streak and realized it was two spotted fawns that were dropped in June. They were zipping around as if it were spring and then they settled down to enjoy the shade.
It's fun to see their Mama just appear magically out of the woods to check on them. She's never far.
Perhaps this guy is a Rough-Legged Hawk. He's only about two feet long, but has an impressive four foot wingspread.
The article says he likes mice and insects; Mike thinks he's eating our grasshoppers. Good.
This July 4th is the second anniversary of Mike's father's death. Mike gave Daddy Bert's caregiver and secretary a call. They were so kind to Bert.
We've thought it pretty neat that Daddy Bert's last day was Independence Day.
BRANSON VACAY
We downloaded pictures from last week's trip when the Little Rock Cruses met the Saferites and F'ville Cruses up at Branson.
Branson is such a great place for families to play because of its wholesome atmosphere and friendly people. A kid-friendly place is getting to be an endangered species. Our friends the Nouguiers blessed us with two condos for the kids at Holiday Hills and that also included a spot for our motor home.
Silver Dollar City was Day One. True, it was 103 degrees, but that thinned the crowds so that our crew didn't have to contend with lines at the rides. And your blood runs cold when you ride the Plunge. Look at that point man lean into it! (click to enlarge...those faces are priceless)
Joe's Crab Shack was a good rendezvous after a day in the park. The cousins had such a good time with one another.
The next day was for Whitewater and Beth got to go along while Papa and I kept Will. I've been around some happy babies, but I'll wager Will is the happiest and easiest to take places. You grin at him and he grins at you.
Wait. It may be a tie between Lily and Will for the title of happiest/easiest.
One of Lily's favorite things to do is don jewelry from a box of old costume jewelry that her Grandmother Erma donated. Wasn't that a brilliant gift?
All three girls love to garb up, but here's Lily in a nice pair of pearl earbobs.
The Cruses @Whitewater...
...and after Whitewater. You pay a place to take the starch right outta you.
The next morning Laura and Beth hit the outlet malls while Matt kept the baby all day and Brad took the other kids to see the animals @Bass Pro Shop and then to Sight and Sound Theatre to buy tickets to see "Joseph".
This is the Sight and Sound Theatre which sits atop a tall hill in Branson. "Joseph" was such a treat! Mike and I went a day early so that we could see the play. It really brought the Bible to life.
The theatre has 30' props and side stages that make it "wraparound". They use real animals (camels and sheep and horses) that come down the aisles. The music was recorded by the Prague Orchestra. It's first class.
We loved that the grands all knew the story of Joseph. "Oh, we know that story" they all said, when asked. I wasn't sure that they would recognize what the sheaves of wheat were in the play, so I asked if they knew what bowed down to Joseph in his dream. Two kiddos said something about his brothers, but Hanna said "well, actually it was the bunches of wheat that bowed down". Hanna doesn't miss a thing.
Here's a link to the STORY and also a VIDEO. If you're in the neighborhood, "Joseph" is a great investment of time and money. It will be showing until the end of the year.
DOUBLY GRATEFUL
My husband is a dear man who is tenderhearted and likes to reflect. Although I've accused him of playing "melancholy delight"...we both have played that game lately.
One night at dinner in Branson, Mike looked down the "table for eleven" and kept shaking his head and saying..."I can't believe we have five grandchildren". He wasn't marveling that we were old enough to have them; we're more than old enough. We just marvel at God's goodness.
So for our time of life..and for our sovereign placement in a country which has afforded more liberty and comfort than we deserve...we thank our gracious Father in heaven.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in him!" Psalm 34.8
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