Happy Birthday, America!

I can't believe tomorrow is already Monday again...especially after having Friday off, too! I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. We really had a great, fun-filled day.

We slept in, and then braved the crowds in Malibu at the Ralph's grocery store. After the quick run to the store, we headed back to campus where we hung out with some friends while we prepared sandwiches for the sack lunches that are brought to the Malibu Labor Exchange once a month. It was beautiful out so we decided to throw some turkey hot dogs on the grill and Aaron and Jerren played the washers game we bought while the food cooked. After enjoying the sunshine outside, we decided to get ready and go on a hike just north of campus. Our friend, John has hiked this trail a few times but it was our first trek. It was only about 1.5 miles to the waterfall, but it was hot out and the mileage doesn't clue you into how steep some of the trail is. View from the trail:

Eventually, we made it to the beautiful waterfall!


Of course, the boys were interested in climbing further up (I shortly joined them; I wasn't about to miss out on the fun!)

After the hike, we came home and all took a breather before my brother, T, and 4tify (the DJ from our wedding) joined us for dinner. Of course, washers kept everyone busy before the food.


We ate grilled chicken, sweet potato fries, and corn from the grill. My sweet grillmaster:

We cleaned up dinner while game #3 of washers kicked in. Bran's other friend, Verse joined us after dinner too.



We all hung out a little before cutting into dessert. I sure do love having company:)


"The Echols' Cake", 4th of July style:

After dessert, it was getting dark so we loaded into cars and drove down the hill to alumni park to watch fireworks. We got there just in time to see a great show over the ocean with the beautiful moon looking on. Perfect 4th!



Hope yours was happy!

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well." 1 John 5:1