Cody and I took a trip together, just the two of us.  We spent a week in Cancun, and then a few days in New Orleans, while my parents were generous enough to keep the kids with them.  We went scuba diving, swimming in the infinity pool and lounging in the ocean, and a little sightseeing/shopping in Isla de Mujeres.  It was a wonderful time, and we enjoyed New Orleans as well, though - to be honest - we weren't overly impressed.  It was a nice city, with historic features; maybe living 20 minutes from downtown Philly and its' historic features (and food, events, etc.) have raised the bar for us.  But then again, Cody and I aren't into big, wild parties with tons of people we don't know - so we wouldn't enjoy Mardi Gras.  Overall, the trip was wonderful, and really helpful for us to have some time alone where we could relax together and just hang out!

 

   

      

   

 New Orleans skyline at night from the edge of the Mississippi River, near the French Quarter.

   

      

   

PEEK!

    

    

This was funny - and VERY awkward!

  

Grandma photobombing Bethany as she shows off the aMAZing, vegan, 4th of July cake she made!

Awwwww...

Happy 4th of July!

                  

Cody, Josh and I were up early to watch the parade go by - right on our street! That is so cool... The Mummer's were there again, all the kids tossing candy from fancy cars, and our wonderful Norwood police/fire/EMS members.

Now, after a nice breakfast on the back porch (what a great breeze!), we have imitated slugs. And a really lifelike - or not - impression we are doing. I may find the energy to order wings or pick up Mexican. Or maybe I won't, and it will just be chips and salsa...

"don't want to move..."     

Ah, brothers...

Ryan and Eric came to visit for a day, and we had a great time together! Well, except for the walk to and from the fireworks show - Eric took partial blame for the misunderstanding, though, informing me he really wasn't paying attention to me when I was talking. : )
We had lunch at Erin's Pub, a boisterous and sidesplitting event. Then we shopped for dinner (steak, corn & salad), watched Act of Valor (good choice, Eric - tears and all), and just hung out together. I hope they had as nice a time as we did! For all intents and purposes, it was a wonderful 4th of July!
So there, Ryan.  ; )