God Bless America!

Last weekend, Justin and I were able to go to Ohio on a much needed break. It was so fun! Oliver is huge and starting to become a little toddler. He is trying to walk but really thinks that he needs something to hold on to even though he is practically running when he does. Justin is constantly teasing and bothering him so Oliver thinks he is fun from a distance but does not necessarily want to put his whole trust into Justin holding him. He does like me though and that is what really matters. I taught him to hit his football with a bat and that makes me a cool aunt. If he does not end up being a superstar sports guy I will be shocked. I have him practicing 2 sports incorrectly at the same time. How can he not know his stuff? Thank goodness he only has to see me every so often I guess. 

Great American Ball Park

Justin, Justin's good friend Drew, and I went to the Reds game on Friday night. They lost but a great time was had by all. We did get to see Brandon Philips hit his 1000th hit and it was a HOME RUN! So, that is one for the history books kids. Also, they opened the game with a brass quartet playing the national anthem  but towards the end they released a bald eagle that flew across the field to land at the trainer on the pitchers mound. Holy patriotic! We were all a little misty eyed at the beauty and grander.    

Red, white and blue splendor!

Amber waves of grain

     

Because it was the 4th of July weekend they had an extended fireworks show. We decided to stay for it and boy howdy were we not let down! We were all the way at the top of the stadium and all the way next to the beautiful Ohio river. Meaning our seats were not the best for the game but they were singe your eyebrows off close to the fireworks. It was awesome and it lasted over 30 mins. We thought it was ending and then it kept going. 3 times we were certain the finale was happening but not even close. The whole show was set to a patriotic soundtrack which ended with a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful, complete with corresponding fireworks that looked like amber waves of grain. Then the finale happened. It was so bright and so loud we had to turn away. Justin was certain his heart stopped beating and the soundtrack was lost in the BOOMS. It was one of the most amazing firework shows I have ever seen. When it was done all that I could say was God Bless America! To which Justin responded, and the epileptic! 

So happy together! 

Saturday, we went to the Skinner Family Reunion/ get together since we all live fairly close. We ate a lot, went swimming and watched the Reds. Not a bad day. Oliver is really scared of  all of the uncles. For some reason he cries whenever they approach. He does love kids in goggles and floating in the pool. He is still uncertain about Justin, as is evident from the picture above. After the reunion together, Justin and I were going to go to the drive-in but we were both about to pass out so we opted for a lazy evening eating Dr. Pepper ice pops and Snickers ice cream bars. 

We made our way back to VA on Sunday night. My uncle Dennis had just arrive from Texas to visit my parents with a large load of illegal fireworks from TN. We had a 3rd of July celebration, as is custom in my family, and almost blew the house apart. It was awesome! Maybe all the excitement from 4th of July weekend is what made the past week so dull and boring. Well, it can't always be fireworks and majestic eagles.