Tuesday, July 5, 2011

my fourth: festivals, fireworks and family

 

 
 

robert and i drove downtown yesterday to visit the local independence day festival. it was a smorgasbord of funnel cakes, sno-cones and local banjo pickers. all under the blistering noon sun. i saw mamas holding onto their children through the crowds,  little flags stuck into holes on the sidewalk, and an elderly man selling shower heads. who broke my heart because no one (absolutely no one) visited his stand. the one with the faux shower set up and the pamphlets neatly spread out on a little wooden table.

we left the fun and went to a little diner for lunch. the best part of the day happened in the middle of my meal when, with my hands full of barbecue chicken and honey rolls, robert grabbed them and said, "i can't wait to have kids with you one day." it was altogether random and beautiful and filling. 

yesterday afternoon held a thrifting spree with my sweet sister, then we all gathered at my parent's house for our annual cookout. which would not be complete without my dad and brother shooting off some classic wal-mart fireworks. with names like "glistening rain" and "lotus flower," you know you're in for a real treat.

it did rain yesterday. but after it cleared came a rainbow. a double one, actually.

reminding me that yes there is conflict in this world. there's war and violence and innocent people die and we never really know why. but there's also a beauty to this earth. and the joy that comes in the morning is enough to stamp out evil. enough to rise and reassure. and remind us that never will humanity be washed away again. even on the hottest and wettest of carolina summers.

24 comments:

Amanda @ New Adventures said...

Looks like you guys had a great weekend. Love the 4th of July- such an awesome thing to celebrate :)

Claire said...

aw love it! and love that last photo :)

Lillian C said...

Aww, it sounds like you had a really lovely Fourth of July celebration! Thrifting + funnel cakes + fireworks?! Sounds kind of perfect to me ;) And even though there is indeed conflict in this world that can be so frustrating to behold...it's holidays like yesterday that can make you reflect and be grateful and remember that the world is still good :)

Dee Paulino said...

the last photo of you & Robert melts my heart!

Jennifer Rod said...

sounds like so much fun!
btw, you look gorgeous!
and i want to meet you someday ;)

Call it Adventure said...

Ahhh, your post gave me goosebumps! I love those randomly perfect moments, the ones that remind you exactly why you know you are with the right guy! Sounds like you had a fantastic weekend, I'm so glad!

Erika Lee @ A Tiny Rocket said...

I totally overdosed on snow cones yesterday! So good!

My fav firework is the worm lol. :)

Unknown said...

A double rainbow? Hooray!! Sounds like a terrific weekend! And what Robert said totally warms my heart :)

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Sounds like so much fun! Glad you had a nice weekend- those names are great- make me curious to see what they look like.

Amber said...

My goodness Robert is such a sweetheart, thats such a nice thing to say to your wife. As beautiful as that was and as wonderful as this post is...I cant stop thinking about funnel cakes

Eleanor at Mirror Of My World said...

wow. robert is amazing. you have such a beautiful way of writing and your weekend sounds great xo

Anonymous said...

Aww, what a sweet thing to say! I bet you will make an adorable and amazing mom one day!

I'm happy you all had a nice weekend, and that the rain broke the heat a bit, and that you got to capture some lovely memories with your family!

Jill said...

how sweet! elderly people often make me sad too, especially ones who look lonely.

Victoria said...

What a cute post! I love that there is an Independence day festival! We don't have one of those so we just went to our local old fashioned hamburger stand! Looks like you had a great weekend!!

Shalyn said...

There definitely is beauty still in this world and you are definitely part of it! :-) Love what Robert told you about having kids- so sweet!

Popcorn, Pugs & Peonies said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Popcorn, Pugs & Peonies said...

You had me at smorgasbord of funnel cakes and sno-cones. Sounds about perfect.

*Erin

Southhamsdarling said...

Thank you for sharing your day with us my friend. From the photos, I felt as if I was there with you! I so love reading your posts, and the love you have with your Robert (and Pablo of course!). What a lovely thing for him to say during your lunch. Special moments like these are to be treasured.

Anonymous said...

I am so grateful for such a loving God who do not leave us alone in this life and blesses us with such precious things that remind us that evil will not prevail at the end.

I am so glad you had a wonderful 4th!

Courtney, you have to write a book someday.

God has given you a wonderful heart and a special talent to express the beautiful things in your heart through words.

Much love and prayers always,
anna

Unknown said...

Your husbands comment at the diner - thank you for sharing this special moment.
Wonderful pictures, Courtney. looks like you had a fantastic 4th of July!
♥ Bibi

Amy @ AGirlCalledBeloved said...

what a wonderful holiday!

and what a sweet thing for your husband to say! Beautiful moment to remember!

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

looooove funnel cakes! looks like such a rip roarin' time you two had. and the hand grab was def the best part, tear ducts are very wet right now. lovely man he is. ♥

Cara-Mia said...

How fun! And I believe both of you will be great parents when the time comes.

cara said...

such a sweet story. your 4th of july looks so cute and fun!

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