July Trip

Photo here was shot in a local Apex restaurant. I love the atmosphere of the place (& the food). Since July 4th is around the corner, I decided to share this creative American flag piece of artwork made from softballs--American all around:)

Our family's planning a Pa. trip again this 4th.

I'm excited. I can't think of much more I enjoy than traveling & visiting the Mc Clan with my clan:) Kelley will not be able to go, so that is a big negative:( But hopefully she'll have fun doing her artistic thing in her sweet bungalow while we're gone.

Since Skye's interning in Ky. this summer we're planning to rendezvous with her in Wytheville, Va. A friend of friends has agreed to let her park her car at their home while she travels with us.

Last year over the 4th we traveled to Pa. also, minus Seth & Kelley (who were visiting best buds in Fla.), so it'll be nice to have Seth along this year. Since Keith's mom & dad are 90 & 88, we NEED to make extra trips to visit them. And we've found being in Pittsburgh during the BIG weekend is so cool:)

Keith's mom's family, the Brown's, have a July 4th family picnic where we get to catch up with many of the McFarland/Brown relatives:)

An annual car show in Keith's home town of New Castle the same weekend brings together hundreds of fans, including cousins, who drive their prized cars downtown & park them to be inspected & admired. Keith & I have been once before & hope to go again this year.

We'll visit Mom & Dad who live right in the middle of Pittsburgh as often as we can. We never stay too long--it's tiring for everyone in a place that's a beehive of activity. Mom has moved into her own apartment in the same facility since Christmas, so it'll be interesting to see her "new" place.

Last year Keith, Cameron, Skye, & I watched fireworks up "close & personal" along the Ohio River in Pittsburgh. The skyline is beautiful & the display was spectacular:) Hope to do that again:)

A change this trip; we're staying at a motel between Keith's sister's house in Beaver Falls & his parents in Pittsburgh. We have no idea how it will be, but thought we'd try it. In the last 4 years since Mom & Dad moved to the retirement home in the city, Keith's sister has graciously found friends who open their homes to us while they are away on vacation. It's been such a blessing & we've been so grateful, but, not always ideal for everybody.

At this point we're contemplating whether to take one car or two. One car is small for 5 adults, even Cameron's Subaru, but two cars seems too much?? Just not sure. (And Skye's Neon is not one that should go!)

Praying our days spent together will bring sweet times & precious memories:)

Thank you LORD for life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness:)

God bless America:)