Christmas really DID come in July!!

We were really looking forward to the 4th this year. No big plans, but Caitlin was coming home and that's always a cause for celebration. Gary had just come in from the shop where he was making wheels for his smoker and I had just come in from the garden and sat down with a glass of water. I didn't even hear her pull up, but I heard her walk in and say, "I brought you something."

Oh my goodness! Did she ever!! Look what she brought:

 There are no words. Tears and hugs, yes, but no words.

Those 2 young'uns pulled a fast one on us!! We didn't have a clue. Haven't seen Tyler since he came home in October on his post deployment leave. He had a 96, which means he had 4 days off and he flew from California to Texas where Caitlin picked him up.

How awesome are they?!

We cooked supper over the firepit and set off fireworks which we have had for 3 years. Since it's been so dry, we hadn't used them. This year, the recent rains allowed us to indulge. We weren't even sure if they were still good, but there wasn't a dud in the bunch. Supper under the stars is a favorite around here:

The next morning, Blueberry Muffins were a given. Tyler loves them and can put them away in no time. They could only stay until early Sunday morning...very early Sunday morning. Tyler had a plane to catch in Texas at 10 which meant the kids had to pull out at 4 am.

Can you say 'soak up every second'? I was so excited to have them both home that I had a hard time falling asleep, but once I did, I slept so well. It does a Mama's heart good to know that both of her cubs are sleeping in their rooms. I was half tempted to sit by their beds and watch them sleep like I did when they were babies. :)

They're didn't stay  nearly long enough and I couldn't even begin to fix all their favorite foods, but no one went hungry.

The kids went to town on Friday afternoon for a movie at 5...Despicable Me 2 received 2 thumbs up. LOL Then on Saturday morning we all loaded up and headed to one of our favorite places at 7:30:

                                                             


1

2

 3

4 rounds of skeet apiece

and lots of catching up:

before heading to the mountains for a ranch rodeo and a good visit with Granny and Grandpa:

On  the way home,  we stopped at Dairy Queen. Strawberry Shakes are somewhat of a tradition from when the kids were little:

The boys both shot clean on that 4th round of skeet. 25 out of 25. Caitlin shot a 22 which is awesome...unless your Daddy and brother shoot 25's. LOL This is my favorite picture from the weekend:

Thanks you two! It was the best surprise ever!! Love and miss you already.