Fourth of July Staycation

I will try to keep this post short - mostly because the pictures are pretty boring and the commentary likely isn't much better.  We usually travel to Louisiana for the 4th of July weekend.  Marc's friends, the Bordelons, are always kind enough (or crazy enough?) to open their home on the river to a crew of us.  Last year, about 20 of us piled in for a great weekend, which included long boat rides (accompanied by boat drinks), dance parties on the pier, and lots of time in the sun.  Getting together with our Louisiana friends is always interesting.  For instance, at one point last year we were all on the boat heading back to the camp from Satterfields when I looked toward the front of the boat to see Cody and Marc leading a dance party, only to look behind me to see Brett sitting in the back of the boat with his duck call and a little row of ducks following our boat.  Like I said - things are never boring down south. 

But this year, after traveling most of June, we couldn't muster the energy for another 7 hour drive (each way!).  So, we decided to celebrate the 4th in Birmingham.  All in all, it was a fun and relaxing weekend.  I had a list of "projects" - none of which were accomplished.  Instead, we played all weekend. 

We spent some time at the local pool (or at least tried to), which was much-needed for this pasty girl.  Unfortunately, about 2 hours into our Sunday afternoon excursion they closed the pool down for "contamination."  As we were all walking out, the little boy in front of us asked his dad why the pool was closing.  Dad's response:  "Somebody doodooed in the pool, little man."  Great.  Big sister added, "This is the worst pool day ever."  Spot on, sister, spot on.

With the pool out, we went with the next best option - shopping.  As I told Marc, what's more American than spending money you don't have? 

Then, we really kicked things up on the 4th.  We started the day bright and early in the typical way - at a yard sale.  Nothing says America and Independence like digging through other people's unwanted junk.  You can imagine who wanted to attend this patriotic event.

We found lots of trash, not much treasure.

After waiting in line in the hot sun for 35 minutes, watching some old folks skip to the front of the line, and winding our way through countless racks of "treasure," we left empty-handed. 

Marc was eyeballing an old bowling ball, complete with bag.  Luckily, something else shiny caught his attention, and we didn't end up bringing this gem home.

 No fear - we are headed to an auction this weekend, and I'm told they have antique guns.  Can. Not. Wait.

We spent a little more time at the pool (luckily it was clean and stayed that way this time).  And then cooked out.  Since the afternoon was filled with rain, we filled our time making decorations for the day. 

We capped the night off with homemade popsicles (love this new toy) and fireworks (with a pretty obstructed view from our den). 

The first popsicle of the night.  Please excuse my appearance and lack of makeup - if I was famous this would surely end up in a "Stars Without Makeup" article.

I loved our staycation, but I have a feeling we'll be heading back to Louisiana next year, if the Bordelons are brave enough to invite us.

P.S.  So much for being brief.  Oh well!