Stars and Stripes for the 4th of July

HAPPY 4th of July!  

Historically, Cheryl has always been the biggest 4th of July fan.  Here is a list of reasons why I think she loves this holiday more than any other:  

1. Her grandmother (mother's side) was born on the 4th of July.  

2. Cheryl adored her grandmother 

3. Cheryl loves BBQ 

4. Her passion for summer stems from a childhood full of fantastic memories involving nothing more than a worn out swimsuit and the great outdoors.

Patriotic, don't ya think?

After many years of trial and error, Cheryl and I finally perfected our recipe for a wonderful 4th of July.  Fortunately, it is quite simple and we figured it out in time for Annabel's first 4th ;)

Add 1 part Family

2 parts Food

and 1 part FUN!

Although Family and Fun are the binders in this recipe, good Food is essential for a successful 4th of July.

We decided to continue the fun and headed to San Francisco.  Getting there was also a blast...

We were so fortunate to enjoy an extended 4th of July weekend with Cheryl's Mom and Dad both in Fresno and in San Francisco.  It was Susan's birthday on 7/7, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM, and before we headed to SF, she picked herself up a little gift (iPad) and so... from now on, I shall make all videos view-able on an apple product.  Did you enjoy the video Susan? It makes me smile every time I watch it :)

A quick stop at Casa de Fruita had Annabel's head spinning with all the stuff to look at.

A little Daddy- Daughter time at Pier 39.

A beautiful family photo in Queen Wilhelmina's Tulip Garden next to the Dutch Windmill.

 A rare opportunity, I was invited by Tom to join the crew of the Adventurer in a sailboat race around San Francisco Bay.  I had an absolute blast and although I didn't have my camera on this trip, silly me, I was able to get some great photos of the bay with my iPhone.  Not too bad considering I was clinging to the railing of the sailboat with a death grip on my cell phone.  Perfect timing with the sailboat and Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset.

P.S. We got 1st Place!

I am really start to enjoy this 4th of July thing, maybe Cheryl was on to something...