Leisurely Nature Stroll

Andrew doesn't like hiking, but in my attempt to stay active while away for the weekend I convinced all our friends and Andrew to go on a 'leisurely nature stroll'!  This was certainly not a hike.  It ended up being a little shorter than I was hoping it to be, only 0.7 miles, but we did get to see a beautiful part of California!

Photos taken by me

Fireworks

I know I already said it, but fireworks are my favorite part of July 4th.  There's something so captivating about them!  My fiance's family has a tradition of being on their boat for the show.  Unfortunately this year we were not able to do so.  Something terrible happened to the engine earlier that day which meant we couldn't take the boat out on the lake.  Instead, we crashed a family friends house and viewed the fireworks from their deck.  Everyone was pretty bummed we couldn't be on the boat...except secretly I was glad because I was able to get some pretty cool shots (which wouldn't have been possible had we been on the boat).

Here are an assortment of photos from the fireworks display I witnessed this year.

Photos taken by me

Click below for full photos.

Independence Day

Happy (almost) July 4th everyone!  Every holiday is a favorite of mine (who doesn't like to take time off work/school?!), but July 4th has always held a special place in my heart.  The summer sun, BBQs, good friends, and loving family are all sure fire ways to make a day special.  All those things are well and good, but the absolute best part about July 4th?  The fireworks!!  There is nothing greater than seeing a clear night sky lit up with a show of great proportions!  Americans love their fireworks, and it seems every year tries to be better than the last.

Photos from my Instagram

This year I will be spending July 4th with my soon-to-be in-laws at there cabin by the lake.  We have Dooley booked into a kennel and will be leaving after Andrew gets off work on Wednesday!  It's going to be a long drive, but soooo worth it!  Good food, great friends, and long days spent on the boat - it's exactly what I've been waiting for all summer!