An Exciting July

It's been a while since our last post, but Bev and I have been enjoying a whirlwind July. For the 4th of July weekend, we were happy to have Erin and Jay come visit. As always, we had a fun time howlin' at the moon with the Wolfs. In the morning we did our patriotic duty and heard the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House.

It was a DD kind of morning!

Later that afternoon, Bev and Erin put together a 4th of July spread that would make Paula Deen proud (deviled eggs, green bean salad, fresh berry trifle!), while Price and Jay grilled Brats and competed in their 2nd Annual Urban Bocce tournament (this time held in the Boston Common). That evening, we rolled ourselves to the Charles River and managed to catch a few fireworks before the humidity and the smoke bank ruined the fun.

Note to self: don't watch the fireworks from the Cambridge side.

On Saturday, we headed down to Quincy to see the birthplace and home of John Adams. After seeing the fantastic HBO miniseries, Mr. and Mrs. Adams have become our new obsession.

The Farmer Patriot

Woops, we must remember the ladies, too!

Peacefield was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing all the original artifacts still housed there, including the china set which was used to entertain Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and virtually every other founding father. We wish we had had more time to tour the grounds, but we happened to be the last tour on the busiest day in the park's history. Oh well, good excuse to go back after we read David McCullough's book.

What a house!


Yes, those are the same reenactors in the PBS American Experience DVD.

The following weekend, Bev and I traveled to VA for Rick's surprise 60th birthday party. What a great time! The look on Rick's face when we surprised him at breakfast was priceless, and we think he was even more surprised that evening.

Surprise!

Carol went all out (as always!) and filled all 75 guests' stomachs with BBQ, potato salad, slaw, Mexican dip, and vanilla icing-covered pretzel sticks. There was even a keg of Heineken that was dangerously cold and dangerously good on a hot VA night. In true Blanderson style, the party got a little crazy as the clock ticked toward midnight. Herman turned on the strobe light, a dance circle formed, and certain people (no names) tested the laws of gravity at the keg. The rest, as they say, is up to your imagination.

Carol cuttin' a rug. Now if only that guy would stop stepping on her feet.


These guys look like they're up to no good.

At least some people stayed responsible.

We were sad to leave Lynchburg, but we came away with some great memories. These days, there's nothing more satisfying to Bev and me than spending quality time with our families.

Awww, Lady.


The Ladies Blair.


Mom's house looked gorgeous!

When we made it back to Boston, we were lucky enough to avoid work and spend lots of time with Carter and Richard. We had a whole lot of fun touring the city, jamming out to Guitar Hero, and eating out at some great restaurants (Some nameless Italian restaurant with to-die-for ravioli, The Gelateria, The Paramount, Border Cafe, Lizzy's Ice Cream). Yummers! Price and Richard also perfected a personalized fist-bump and worked on their boy band dance routine. We hope they can come back again soon!

You should be dancing, YEAH!