The 4th of July Family Gathering is always fun. For the second year in a row we met out at my brother Craig and Joan’s house, and got to swim in their pool. This time last year I was sweating it out, waiting for my precious little one to arrive.  Man it seemed like it was going to take forever to get through July!  And then she was late!!  This year, wow, what a joy it is to have her with us!!  Auntie Joany bought her this cute turtle float  to match Uncle Craig’s big turtle float. She had a blast in it!!!!!

It’s so amazing how Vienna wasn’t even with us last year, and this year she’s walking along all the furniture, giggling at the animals, smiling and singing all the time… amazing!   She’s developing a love for animals.  She will sit and watch the t.v. if there are animals on, and giggle, she “reads” her books all of the time and giggles at the animal pictures in there… and, though she’s a bit afraid of animals live and in person, it seems she is getting over that now.  Auntie Joany helped her run down Gemi and Zoey so she could pet them…

Vienna spent her first over night at Grandma and Grandpa Christoff’s that night too.  We went up to see the fireworks with friends and knew we’d be out late.  All went well, so maybe Sam and I can get away once in a while now   She had a great time with her G&G and it was nice not getting up too early with her after being out late

We hope you all had a wonderful blessed Independence day, whether you are here in the U.S. or living abroad!  Thanks to all you out there who have served to keep our country safe as well as other peoples around the world, and thanks to all you who serve our Lord out there, also making the world a better place!