life is wonderful...

As many of you know, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.  Everyone gathers together, united, proud to be an American - and I LOVE America.  I love cookouts, spending time with friends, and of course fireworks.  Ever since I moved into Fairfax with Amanda, she has been telling me about George and Laura's (aka the Prices) HUGE 4th of July bash that they put on every year.  I seriously have been looking forward to this party since I moved in.  They invite tons of people over to their home in Herndon (I'm talking 200 or so... huge!), have 3 kegs on tap, and have everyone bring a homemade dish (lets  be real: I bought potato salad from Wegmans).  Amanda's family was there: the Jac, the Jer, Jenn, and Chris - Jenn's new fiance.  They all made me feel very welcome.  I met the infamous George, who immediately suggested I refill my solo cup.  I was surrounded by amazing people - everyone was having a blast!  George and Laura own a huge lot of land, perfect for watching the fireworks.  Of course many people who were not attending the party would put their blankets on their lawn.  Amanda decided she was security and went around shouting, "PRIVATE PROPERTY!!!"  It was hilarious!  We also got glow sticks to celebrate.  Amanda and I laid down on a blanket, and stared up into the sky as the fireworks were going off.  We were directly under them - it was surreal.  We even felt the debris from the fireworks fall onto our faces and into our hair.  We definitely had prime seating for the fireworks!  I couldn't think of a better way or a better person to spend the 4th with!

Roommates - me and Amanda

On Sunday morning I drove to Richmond to visit my best friend Allison.  Allison is currently living and working in Hilton Head Island, but visited her family in Midlothian for the 4th.  Her older brother Daniel and his wife Carrie (from Georgia) were also there (and the twins too!!)  Allison's parents welcomed me with open arms.  I hadn't seen them since Christmas and their warm hugs felt so natural and like I had never left.  Allison's grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins.... everyone was there.  I really felt like part of the fam : )  We played Mad Gab which was really fun!  Allison's neighbor Nicole recently got accepted to Tech (go Hokies!) and asked for advice going into her freshman year.  It made me and Allison reminisce, and I hope that Nicole finds a friendship similar to the one I found at JMU with Allison.  

Me, Nicole, and Allison

Allison's mom made hot dogs and burgers for lunch and dinner - YUMM it was delicious.  It was great spending time with her family.  I got to talk with Dan and Carrie about my small group... and I really appreciate them listening to me about my concerns and thoughts.  If it wasn't for them, I would not be in a small group.  They really pushed me to go and to step out of my comfort zone.  Dan and Carrie had twin boys back in September: Atticus and Isaiah.  They will be one this year, and I cannot get over how big they are getting.  They are already crawling around and being very vocal.  They are very well behaved and in one word: adorable.  

Us and the twins : )

It is very nice knowing that I have such a strong support system.  It means so much to me, and I appreciate the Adams so much.  I know they think of me, and pray for me, and they know how much of a positive influence Allison has been on my life.  I feel like they are my second family.  And I know that I am always welcome.  Mrs. Adams even offered to meet up with me for dinner while I am in training in Chester : )  I am not sure when I will get to see the Adams clan next, but I always look forward to their family events.