Amber Thompson (2nd Violinist)
Amber's sisters Danielle (Clarinetist)and Carrie(Flautist)

Julia and Diana Erickson
(2nd Violinists) 

The Heritage Research Institute renewed a historical 4th of July tradition this year: a reading of our Declaration of Independence! The event was complete with a Color Guard, Patriotic music, prayer, re-enactors in full costume, and the Declaration delivered by a courier on horseback! Plus, plenty of "hip-hip-huzzahs!"!













The Brian Ervin Family 

Mr. Jeremy Ervin checks off the final details.

Mr. Brian Ervin and a Veteran 

Michigan Color Guard
The Courier
Our Declaration of Independence 

Mr. Brian Ervin read our Declaration of Independence.
Mistress Barbara Ervin
Jennifer Ervin









Jacob Ervin















The Ervin family was dressed in authentic Colonial costume! 

A.J. Hyslop is checking out a Pennslyvania Regiment rifle! 

Here Sarah is clapping in time with the patriotic music that was playing. Hannah and Carol are laughing at the fact that I took a picture when Sarah wasn't looking :) 

The North Branch Parade

After the Declaration presentation, Mama, Evvie, Catrina, and I headed over to North Branch to see Annick and Princess in the parade.

The pictures here are: (top) Knights of Columbus
(2nd) the local chiropractor dressed up as a clown
(3rd) an adorable puppy! SO cute!
(4th) Annick and Princess Rain

 

4th of July at our house...

This year we invited the Hyslop and DeLadurantey families over for a day of fun, food, and fireworks.
Together we all enjoyed good food, games (volleyball, Ghetto Shoes, Scrabble, tag), horse rides, conversation, and ended the evening with watching fireworks. Thank you all for coming with food and game ideas! It was such a fun day!  

Sisters Sarah, Carol, Esther, and Hannah, lounging on our really comfy deck swing :) 

Carol, Sarah, Amber, and Mama learning, from semi-pro Mr.DeL, how to throw Ghetto Shoes.  

Annick and Evvie entertained the children with horse and pony rides. Looks like they all had fun :)








 

Fireworks!

After dinner, we three families drove to a local area to watch some fireworks. It was quite a show!