What a great weekend!
I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Independence Day! Always remember how rare freedom like that in our country is. And how easily it can (and quite possibly could) be stripped away. Pay attention to what the government is doing and vote accordingly to preserve our freedom. We must remember what this nation stands for and why we were founded. And whether the majority of this nation likes it, we were founded as a Christian nation under God. Also, remember that it is our responsibility as humans (not just free Americans) to give aide to those less fortunate than ourselves. Thinking that other countries need to mind their own business in the affairs of each other is not only selfish, but it is ignorant. Not only do several middle eastern countries seek to govern their own nations poorly, they seek to destroy and annihilate those who disagree or are merely different. Remember 9/11. If it happens again it would only be worse. We may not be able to fight back and defend our borders. So support our troops and what they are trying to preserve. And pray our President and other elected officials have the wisdom to do what is right. And may God bless not only America, but may God bless this world and may we in turn praise Him.

Matt and I left early Friday morning for New Bern, NC. The drive took us about 4.5 hours including two food stops and taking one wrong road. Not bad for our first time. We stayed with the newly wedded Jon and Andrea Winkel! So excited to get to see them. Hopefully it will be a regular occurrance in the next few years while we're both living in this area.

We hung out in the pool for awhile Friday afternoon, while was so nice. That is one thing we definitely miss out on by not living in a normal apartment complex. Maybe next home we'll have a community pool. We grilled out steaks, potatoes, and veggie and fruit kabobs. Everything was delicious and perfectly cooked. The boys played some call of duty while Ange and I cleaned up, talked, and went movie browsing. We then watched Taken, which the girls had never seen before. A good choice. I am liking Liam Neeson increasingly with each film I see him in. He's a very versitile actor. We had this apple dish for dessert that was amazing! I'll have to get the recipe from Ange.

Saturday we had delicious waffles for breakfast. We set out to beach semi early, but not as early as we should have. They live about 45 minutes from the ocean. Delicious! Matt and I haven't been to the beach in about three years! It was definitely time. We boogie boarded and jumped the waves for a good long while. And of course, laid out a good deal. The water was perfect and there was a breeze so it never got too hot. We got lunch at a hole in the wall restaurant which was delicious. And then went to a different beach for the afternoon. Here Matt and I both got burnt a little despite our multiple latherings of spf 30. It was so much fun though. we headed back to Jon and Andrea's apartment and were pooped! A nice shower and some soothing aloe Vera helped. We made french bread pizzas for dinner with fruit and chips. Another excellent meal. Andrea is a wonderful hostess. The boys played call of duty some more until it was time to head back home. They will hopefully be able to come visit us this summer also. A nice short trip to see good friends.

Poor Emily was all bewildered when we got home. She had this pitiful meow that she wouldn't stop meowing even when I was holding her and petting her. We went to bed and when all the lights were off she just say on the floor and howled! Matt thinks she thought we had left her alone again. I turned on a light and called to her and she settled down a little. We tried to go to bed again. She went and sat in the kitchen and howled! I brought her in with me and snuggled her a bit. She curled up on my pillow against my head and finally we all fell asleep. Today she's pestered me in everything I've tried to do! She needed my full attention or she wasn't happy. She curled up on my lap for almost an hour and if I wasn't petting her she would push against my hands! Such a cute kitty. It was just one night away, but she must have gotten lonely! Now we know not to leave her alone for a week or so. She wouldn't know what to do!

Our power went out a bit ago. I hope it comes on in time for dinner! I have to go grocery shopping. We don't have much to eat that doesn't require the microwave or oven! Oh well.

Happy July!