Independence Day 2010

One of our neighbors put a flag in every yard in the neighborhood. I would thank them, but I have no idea who did it.

For the past few years, we’ve spent July 4th at Eric and Darlene’s house on Holiday Isle. This year, however, they broke our hearts and went to Bali for three weeks, leaving us feeling abandoned and neglected. Not really. I mean, I love spending my favorite holiday with them, but it’s not like we, um, stalk them or something. Anyway, knowing they would be on the other side of the world, I made a boat reservation early, because I simply cannot watch July 4th fireworks anywhere other than the Destin pass.

I would have loved to have my 50 closest friends join us. Unfortunately, we rented a pontoon boat, not a multi-million dollar yacht, so space was limited. Only two families joined us, plus one of Taylor’s friends. I apologize if you and yours did not make the cut. You shouldn’t take it personally, just as I did not take it personally when Brad Pitt never responded to my marriage proposal after I watched Legends of the Fall.

The buildings along the harbor were displaying some patriotic flare.

Several boats were decorated with flags, as well.

I’m smiling because Independence Day is my favorite holiday. Please don’t be distracted by my wind-blown hair.

When we’re not on a boat, Noah loves them. When we are on a boat, he’s scared. Go figure. He stayed glued to that seat almost the entire night.

Taylor was dressed cute.

I’m sure her cute outfit had nothing to do with her “friend who happens to be male” who joined us. (Note: Allegedly not her boyfriend.)

Nathan was not entirely happy that he did not have his swimsuit…

…so I let him swim in his boxers.

Notice Jonah was wearing the same shirt Noah wore in 2008.

This is Jeremy and his son Noah. Jeremy and his wife Jami just moved here from southern California to be the site pastors for our church‘s new campus (coming soon!) in Fort Walton Beach.

This is Jami and Monica. They are both married to pastors, but I am not. Do what you want with that information.

I think the two Noahs are confused when they hear their name called, but they’ll get used to it. Incidentally, the “other” Noah isn’t scared of boats.

Sam with a shirt.

Sam topless. You’re welcome. (That’s his daughter Amy.)

No topless photos of Sam’s wife Monica. It simply isn’t THAT kind of blog.

Will looks so much different than he did two years ago, or even last year, for that matter.

Amy is still a tiny peanut, but she’s changed a lot, too.

Norriego Point filled up quickly…

…as did Crab Island.

I suspect Crab Island had been crowded for 10+ hours by the time we got our sweet buns out there.

Even as the sun was setting, people were still swimming.

It had rained off and on all day, but the radar map looked clear for the evening. Ha! We should’ve known the weather channel lies as often as politicians.

See those menacing clouds? Yeah.

Our picnic dinner* was good. The company was great.

*Popeye’s fried chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, tabouli, auollete cheese spread, pita chips, black bean & corn salsa, tortilla chips, spinach artichoke dip, rolls, brownies, and other various snacks.

The fireworks were spectacular! And it started pouring rain during the finale. Did that ruin the night? Absolutely not. It was an experience that made for more wonderful memories of spending a holiday I love with people I love in a place I love. Hope you had a great Independence Day, as well!