Fourth of July {Part One}

We moved to Arkansas on June 3, 2008.  There are many things I miss about not being close to our family.  In the eight years that we have been away, the hardest holiday for me has always been the Fourth of July.  So naturally, one of the first questions I asked a friend was, “what kind of fun things happen around here for the Fourth of July?”  She got the most excited and delighted look on her face as she began to tell me about the Henderson celebration.  The Henderson’s are a family that live in our ward.  They have a nice piece of land with a beautiful pavilion, and facilities for great parties.  Every year they invite our ward to come out and celebrate our Nation’s birthday.  It really has been one of the most memorable parts of our time here in Arkansas.

This year was our last year to attend.  It is so sad because our kids enjoy it so much, and we enjoy spending time with our friends.  I wanted to make sure that I really documented this special memory of our time in Arkansas.  This year they had the party on Saturday, July 2nd.

I apologize now for picture overload.

The property is so beautiful.  They have flowers, benches, arbors, trees, and water that add to the beauty of the party.

I couldn’t help but take some pictures of Tessa Mae.

The food at the party is to die for.  They provide all the food.  You will find: ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, sides, watermelon and catfish.

Lets not forget the yummy homemade ice-cream; vanilla, strawberry, and banana. The Strawberry is my favorite. I have heard that they make close to 25 batches of homemade ice-cream.  Can you imagine all the work that goes in to this party.

They also have a stand specifically for drinks, snocones, and cotton candy.  YUM!!  All of us enjoyed the cotton candy.  Here in the south you have to eat it fast before it melts.

 

There is also plenty to do.  Among visiting with our friends, they have activities for the adults.  Jonathan was undefeated in horse shoes.  There is also plenty for the kids to do.  They enjoy being with their friends, and playing on the massive playground.  All of which was hand built by the Henderson's.  Tessa loves to swing.  Thankfully, she talked my friend Leslie in to swinging with her.

After the sun goes down, they put on a marvelous firework show.  We all just sit back and ENJOY!! Except for Tess.  She was so nervous, she snuggled in to Leslie and went to sleep.

Thank you Henderson family for making our Fourth of July’s here in Arkansas so wonderful.

P.S.  keep reading to see the scrapbook pages(or click here) I made to document our Fourth of July at the Henderson’s.