Vacation in Indiana, Part 2: Independence Day

By Thursday of my vacation, I was feeling better and was quite relieved that Adelaida hadn't caught my illness. By Thursday evening, I was ready to get out of the house and do fun things. Mom, Mikel, Adelaida, and I were all sitting around the living room Thursday evening, when the doorbell rang. Mom answered the door, and I head her say, "come on in" to someone. Then, I heard Dale's voice! Yes, my dear, beloved husband had surprised me by joining Adelaida and me for our vacation! Dale wasn't able to stay the entire time that I was going to be in Indiana, but he did stay through the weekend and joined me for both an Independence Day party at Mom and Mikel's house and a quick trip to the farm to see my dad and Mary Jo. (Dale is pictured holding Adelaida and Brooke, the 16-month-old daughter of my friend from high school. Adelaida and Brooke were quite taken with each other and we hope that they grow up to be good friends!)

Friday was the big Independence Day party. We set up a tent outside, a volleyball net, and carried all the chairs out to the grassy area under a big deciduous tree. We made way too much food and had family, friends, and neighbors join us for a perfect relaxing summer holiday celebration.


Brooke and Adelaida both wore red, white, and blue American dresses for the occasion and were both so happy to run around (Brooke) or sit happily (Adelaida) outside with the adults. This picture was taken just before Brooke decided to sit on Adelaida's lap! Her daddy saw it happen and jumped up to stop Brooke, although Adelaida didn't really seem to mind.






One highlight of the party was Pinky, Mom and Mikel's next-door neighbor who is a henna tattoo artist. She came over with her henna supplies and quickly gave several of the girls (Rachel R, Jennie, and me) tattoos. Billy saw us getting tattoos and thought it was really cool, so Pinky gave Billy a tattoo on his arm, in a masculine design, of course!

Billy and I posed with our tattoos. Mine is a butterfly and Billy has a yin-yang and lightning bolts.


The next day, Dale, Adelaida, and I went down to Owen County to spend some time with my dad and Mary Jo. Dad put Dale to work installing stepping stones at the lake house while Adelaida supervised from her blanket.





Dad and Mary Jo both enjoyed seeing, playing with, and holding Adelaida. Mary Jo taught Adelaida to play peek-a-boo, which she just loved. It is so wonderful to hear Adelaida giggle!


Before we left, Dale had the privilege (I guess) of moving the cows to a new pasture and feeding them. I was a little worried at one point that he would be run over by the cows, but he survived the ordeal!