Summertime Americana Mantle

I wanted to do an Americana theme for my summertime mantel this year, but I didn't really want to spend any money on it, so I "shopped the house" for things I already had. I didn't think I would find much, but I actually surprised myself.

This LIBERTY sign I painted back in my sign-painting days. I used to have an eBay store a couple years back. The star next to it is a Christmas tree topper.
White dishes I already had, picked up from Target and various thrift stores. The apples, books, and star garland were also things I already had.
In my head, I thought this plate said, 4th on it, so I thought it would be perfect (4th of July), but then when I got it out, I realized it said, No. 4. Oh well, close enough.
The big red barn star I've had for a few years. I bought it on a trip to Amish country with my mom to decorate my family room in Ohio. I really like how it looks over the big mirror.

In the end, I did actually end up spending a few bucks on the flags and other small star at Joann's, but they were on sale, so it was still pretty cheap. And here it is with the mountain of folded clothes I should be putting away instead of taking pictures. Just keepin' it real.

More Delta Fun!

Happy 4th of July!

Waiting for the fireworks

Hannah and Daddy

The Fam

My Handsome Boys - Bryan, Andrew, and Logan Logan and Summer

Fireworks!

Andrew and Noah

4th of July

Before moving to Cleveland, our family had a yearly tradition of spending the 4th of July with the Andersons in Delta, Utah. There was always a big parade with floats throwing boatloads of salt-water taffy, festivities and Navajo Tacos in the park, a demolition derby, and multiple other celebrations.

Since moving here, we've tried to make new traditions. This year, we lit fireworks in the back yard,

(don't worry, Nana, it's just a smoke bomb!)
went to a barbeque,

(yes, that's Logan, helping himself to the watermelon straight from the serving bowl. That kid loves watermelon!),

and then watched the fireworks at our traditional place near the school.Every year, there are more and more families from Church that set up blankets and chairs in the same place, creating the annual 4th of July Mormon villa for the fireworks display. This year, there were somewhere between 10 and 15 families there. Andrew loves to meet up with his friends and play, especially with Molly. For the past three years, we have pictures of him and Molly playing at the annual celebration.

2006

2007
2008

Before the firworks began, Logan spotted a family nearby with glowing light sticks, and before we could stop him, he was asking if he could have a "Lightsaber" too.

He was as happy as could be, playing Jedi the rest of the night! (Including sound effects, of course!)Happy 4th of July!