Week Two - part one

 

Wake Forest Independence Day Celebration

We started the day by driving from Durham to Wake Forest, to attend North Wake Church with my cousin and her family.  http://www.northwake.com/
 We loved the people, the worship, and the pastor's sermon.  He spoke about how we need to be willing to "cross the street", so to speak, to reach out to the people around us, even if it means we are out of our comfort zone.

We spent the afternoon at the neighborhood pool, eating pizza, and visiting.  This was the first day of our trip that we really relaxed, and it felt wonderful.

What's a day at the pool without a little wedgie from your big brother?

Ty had a fun afternoon at the pool.  It was so much cooler than being out in the heat.

 Sunday night my cousin's neighbors had a block party, with lots of food, and an unbelievable fireworks display.  Seriously, if we tried to do this in California, we would be arrested.  It was almost like being at Disneyland. By the way, cousin, please tell them thank you again for allowing us to be a part of their celebration.

Watching the fireworks

My cousin's daughter is such a sweet young lady.  Our daughter really enjoyed spending time with her.



On Monday, the Fourth of July, we went downtown to watch, (and for some, to be a part of), the Parade.  It was so much fun.  It seemed like most of Wake Forest was in the Parade.  Kids were riding decorated bikes, and families wore matching patriotic shirts.  

Tyler with his cousin and her friend, and Ty, in the parade.  Emma had jumped into the parade on a scooter, with her cousin, so I didn't get a picture of the two of them.  We were just happy to catch up with them where the Parade ended.  The only thing that helped me stay calm was that my cousin reassured me her daughter could keep up with Emma. even if that meant she'd have to run.  Did I mention that she is a special young lady?  It helped that she does like to run.  

This is the Park where the Parade ended.  Isn't it darling?  The white building had crafts for the kids, and they held sack races, tug-of-war, and three-legged races on the lawn.

Ty and Trey at the Wake Forest Independence Day Celebration

The VFW food truck.  There was also a shave ice truck , and an ice-cream truck.

Cousins

Family and friends

the kids, including my cousin's older daughter, and her friend on the left, with Uncle Sam

What a fun day!  I had hoped to be in a small town for some kind of festival on this trip, and this was just great.  What a wonderful place to live, and raise your family.

 

Well, it was a wonderful few days, but it's time to head South, so my cousin and her 3 kids can take part in her Church's Runner's Camp, and we can get closer to Disneyworld.  Thanks, cousin!  and her husband, and her kids.  We had a wonderful time.  Please come visit us when you can.  We'll always have room for you all.