Saturday night at Chris and Wanda's

Every year my cousins, Chris and Wanda, host the most incredible get together at their house the weekend after the 4th of July.  They live in such a picturesque setting that just having the opportunity to visit would be enough to coerce us to come.  But, in addition, they cook literally all day long - smoking and grilling the most succulent chicken, pork and burgers you have ever tasted!!  They make 6 gallons of homemade ice cream!  They invite folks to bring potluck dishes to add to the feast.  They have live bands sing from the porch, and invite everyone up to the stage to join in.  And then they put on a fireworks show that truly rivals any town around here.  All from the comfort of their beautiful back yard!!  What a celebration!  We wouldn't miss it for the world!!

This year we were joined by Rachel and Stephen (who were able to attend for the very first time) along with Matthew, Megan, Melina and Anna's college roommate, Alyssa.  I can tell you that everyone had a fantastic time and we are still talking about it today.   :)

Here is a link to an entire album of photos so that you can see why.  And you really have to check out this video clip of snippets of the night to fully understand how much fun we all have.   :)

Chris and Wanda - magnificent hosts!

Chris is serious about his fireworks show!!

Mike and Jackson

Chris taking us 'behind the scenes' of the smoking and grilling process -
 including that little smoker full of all gluten free meat!

Wanda and Laura

Cute picture of Melissa and Jearson

Setting up for the fireworks show later that evening

Stephen, Rachel, Laura and Hannah

Daddy, Matthew and Uncle Charles

Hannah, Anna, Melina, Megan, Alyssa and Rachel

Charles III playing keyboard

Hannah and Rachel singing

Hannah and Rachel

climbing Cole!!   :)

Rachel and Stephen

Rachel and Laura

Melissa and Mama

frisbee

Jackson, Megan and Melina

:)

Megan, Stephen and Jackson

Chris and Hannah

Alyssa and Anna

Jackson, Alyssa, Hannah, Melina and Megan

Aunt Ilene, Uncle Charles, Daddy and Mama

Playing Concentration

Chris playing keyboard

Matthew, Jackson and Stephen

Tower time!  Megan, Jackson, Anna, Hannah, Melina and Alyssa

Anna, Megan, Jackson, Matthew, Hannah, Melina, Alyssa, Rachel, Noah

Absolutely beautiful at Chris and Wanda's house!!

ready for fireworks!  Melina, Megan, Hannah, Stephen, Rachel, Jackson, Alyssa, Matthew and Anna 

Laura, Megan, Melina, Hannah, Stephen, Rachel, Jackson, Alyssa and Matthew

What a show it was!!