July 3, 2008

Happy 4th of July to Everyone!
We just left Sean's farm in North Dakota where the family held a large birthday party and reunion. All of Mary's children and grandchildren, plus most of her brothers and sisters and some of her nieces and nephews with their families, were there, along with many friends of Bob, the birthday boy. The weather was beautiful EXCEPT for the day of the party when there were heavy rains, and some thunder and lightening, the whole day. Luckily, they rented a tent and the party went on. With a rented sound system, speakers and microphone, the music continued until 2:30 A.M. Raul, our son-in-law, created beautiful fruit platters -- making palm trees, birds, sharks, chickens, and leaf designs out of the various types of fruit. (See pictures below.)
With all of the space on the farm, everyone had a great time -- especially some of the city grandkids from LA -- who really felt their freedom. The younger ones chased after the farm animals, rode bikes all over the place, climbed hay stacks, helped feed the goats and rode on an ATV with Sean. We took lots of family pictures, and even dressed with overalls for some group shots. (See picture below.)