4th of July Weekend 2013

Happy 4th of July Everyone!  The holiday and weekend turned out to be great when our friends, Jessica and Evan, decided to visit at the last minute.  We visited them in Washington DC earlier in the year and you can read about that trip here.  They recently moved to Arkansas (or as Greg likes to say, "Ar-Kansas") for the next chapter in their lives.  We didn't have any plans for the 4th, but our friends Lisa and Joe invited us to Somerset Winery the day before around 10 AM, and then Jess and Evan contacted us around 4 PM.  So, we all went to the winery, and then played yard games and grilled out in the evening.  Once again, the weather was gorgeous!  It's been a great start to the month of July!

On Saturday we went to the Royal's baseball game.  I got tickets for all of us through someone at work, and they were in the Dugout Box seats.  They were awesome, so it was actually enjoyable to watch. 

Afterwards we headed to the city and hung out at the old Opera House that they converted into a coffee house/bakery/paleo grill/bar...  Yes, there was a lot going on, but we loved the place.  So, we got drinks and played some dominoes.

We were waiting until Jessica and Evan's friend, Brian, got back in town.  We went out to dinner with him and then went to Westport to hang out at another patio bar. 

Then, we went back to Brian's apartment in the city, and he took us up to the rooftop patio.  It was an incredible view overlooking all the areas in the city!  Brian is moving to Washington DC now in a couple weeks, so I'm so upset we didn't hang out before this.  His apartment was in a great area. 

Needless to say, it was a great weekend seeing our good friends and just relaxing and doing what we love to do.  Last weekend at Church they talked a little about the history on the Declaration of Independence in light of the holiday, and how our nation was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Then, they really went into the idea of happiness and what that means to each of us.  He was saying how bad/evil has always existed in the world and that it shouldn't scare us from truly living our lives and doing what makes us happy and choosing good along the way.  It 's our gift back to God.  So, here's to living life to the fullest, making every moment count, and giving thanks for each opportunity!

Have a great week!