the fourth at the farm

I haven't been doing that great in the blogging department as of late.  So after this post I am officially signing off until August, partially to give myself a break in the guilt department.  After all, in the next month we have a wedding to get through (my sister's), a visit from extended family to host, a third trimester to tackle, and we are trying to fit a vacation in somewhere in the middle.  It exhausts me just thinking about all of that fun.

We also have this party to recover from, though it was well worth the hangover of throbbing ankles and knees I am experiencing today.  I temporarily forgot that I am 30 weeks pregnant and did not sit down for the majority of the day.  Today I feel like I might be turning 75 next week.  Alas, our bodies are only temporary.

Barn parties were part of the original vision when we bought this beat up property.  No better time than July 4th to celebrate family farm fun.  The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the friendship topped it all.  If you weren't invited, it was an oversight.  We would have welcomed you with open arms!  That is, as long as you brought something yummy to eat. 

The activities included horseshoes, face-painting,

Thank you, Gretchen, for using your artistic genius to bless Annike with a penguin on her cheek!!  Sofia has an American heart-shaped flag.

This little gal got a ladybug on her hand.

... and tractor rides... which were definitely Christian's, I mean, the children's favorite event!

He even got a little mowing done in the process.

Those are definitely gleeful faces.  Christian kept mentioning that he could remember their giggles and squeals throughout the night.

Next year we will add in the 3-legged race. 

But the truth is that none of these "activities" were necessary because being together with friends, that are more like family, is the best way to celebrate freedom.  We have the freedom in this country to fellowship with anyone we choose.  The freedom to walk where we want, when we want, how we want.  Most of all, we have the freedom to worship Who we want.  And that is something worth celebrating.

Until August... have a Joyful July!
Ashley