Taking the Scenic Route

#185: Cooking with Grandma Zandra. While the rest of the country had hot dogs and hamburgers, we were making Salmon. Zora was excited to help prep the side dishes.

And some sprinkler time to cool off…

In the evening, none of us were up for big crowds, so we just went out our front door and watched the neighboorhood fireworks display. The neighbors at the beginning of the cul-de-sac apparently dropped a pretty penny on fireworks because they had some awesome big ones. We had some little ones left from last year and put those off in the street to add to the show. It was nice and managable and I am glad we didn’t go to the big downtown show. It was the first Independence Day celebration not spent with my parents since having kids, but it was good to spend it with Grandma Zandra.

#184:  ‘mates

We had fun. Yesterday she brought a selection of Italian meats and cheeses, and today we had Lox and Bagels with all the fixin’s. YUMMY! We spend most of the day going between talking, looking at pictures and videos and playing with the kids.

#183: Grandma Zee and the Wii

Zane was thrilled with the cherries Grandma brought and quickly went to work pitting them.

Zora gets in on the action “helping” grandma

#182: Grandma Zandra here! As usual when this side of the family gets together, the day includes standing around playing music. When Zach brought out his dad’s accordion, Zora ran downstairs and retrieved her drum to play along. It was a ball.

and, naturally, there are many more than just the one “photo of the day”

Zora brings her alphabet puzzle to play with.

Looking at pictures

Zane warms up and gives Grandma a big hug

Such beauty

Enjoying the visit.

Connecting

Zach brings out his dad’s accordian. His mom and dad used to spend a lot of time playing music together, and his mom was thrilled when Zach played “Blue Moon” for her, just like his dad used to.

Zora finds a cozy spot in the accordian case for her mad drumming skillz.

Zane joins the celebration