Pepper Paints

Our Holiday in Review

I absolutely love where we live. I also love tradition. I go out of my way to make sure we are making  memories together and carrying on family traditions. The 4th of July is one holiday steeped in tradition that  my kids really look forward to. Growing up, my parents always had a big 4th of July party–it started in the morning with everyone coming over for breakfast outside. Family came and went all day long. We swam and ate and then  moved the party into the garage in the evening. My dad and older cousins would blow off fire works in our back yard and a great time was had by all.

The apple must not fall too far from the tree.  We start each 4th of July at our Clintonville Community Breakfast. We walk over to the park early in the morning to begin our day.

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One or more of my kids always participates in the pet parade

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Then there is the fishing derby

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And the party preparation

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It is the part of the day that is the calm before the storm. Because the next thing I remember– It looked more like this

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And this

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This was before the fireworks show and the post fireworks snacking!! It was a late night. And today after cleaning all that up, I took a long nap–in the air conditioning. Hope your Holiday weekend was both fun and relaxing!!

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Hoopers, Hoopers Everywhere!

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Friday night we went to our local hoopers meet up in the park behind our house. So many awesome and talented hoopers to watch and learn from!

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Hoops of all sizes!

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And so many awesome and talented hoopers!!

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Even a fire hooping performance!

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And they meet twice a week!! Can you tell I am excited?! Everyone was so nice–I can’t wait for the next meet up.

Are you looking for a group to hoop with? Check out Hoop City. Click on the connect button and see if there is a group near you.

Happy Hooping!!

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Perfect Night For A Snow Fire

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I posted the photos backwards as to not ruin our secret to getting this roaring fire started
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We hear there is more snow heading our way!!

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Lanterns Of Tin And Bees Wax

We  have been very busy around here!! We read Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven and used her recipe to make a little sun of our own! I love, love, love her books. The illustrations are beautiful.

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We made tin can lanterns

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We made fire starters by dipping pine cones into melted bees wax

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And we made these beautiful bees wax lanterns to hold a small tea light, by repeatedly dipping a water balloon in melted bees wax.

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And then there has been the baking…………….

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And the eating of course!

We are almost ready but still have a few last minute things to prepare and gather. Looking forward to the next week full of celebrations with friends and family from both near and far. We’re almost there!! Almost………

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The Darkest Day…..Happy Solstice

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Not only was it dark because we only had 9 hrs of day light today but we also said goodbye to our much loved Rudy dog this morning. RIP boy. There will never be another Rudy dog!

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Tonight we are reading books by lantern and  sleeping in the living room by the fire. A little change of scenery for the darkest day of the year. Sniff, Sniff

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