It was around this time last year that Steve and I were coming home from a weekend in Washington D.C. Because of his military service, Steve had been invited to spend the 4th of July at the White House. We didn’t actually get to go into the White House (everything was hosted on the South East lawn), but that didn’t stop us from having an unforgettable night kickin’ it with President Obama, David Grohl, and Michelle Branch while watching fireworks at our nation’s capital. At the time, baby Addisyn was just the size of a plump strawberry inside my belly. Although she won’t remember it, when we tell the story, we’ll be sure to let her know she was there.
This year wasn’t quite as eventful. If we’re sticking with fruit to describe the size of children, she is about the size of a long watermelon. Oh, and she has a sleep schedule now, much different than her strawberry days when she was pretty much locked into whatever I was doing. Thus, as every mom knows, our weekends are now planned around the previously mentioned sleep schedule. There is a fine art to developing a consistent sleep pattern, and once mastered, it must not digress even for one night. Lucky for me, as it turned out a low key family weekend was just what my worn down body needed.
The first stop on new mommy 4th of July weekend was an unaccompanied (thanks Steve) trip to the beach for some sun and relaxation! My summer doesn’t start until I make my first beach trip.
Meet Kelly Jo (aka Keljo) and Jon (see below). You will see them again, as you will also meet my other sister, Kim and her Irishman, Patrick.
Steve, the traffic is totally, absolutely, without a doubt, worth…every…second..
There was a moment on the 4th this year that I wished we had made big, huge, wonderful plans. The kind of plans that would put the photography blog world on its ear! I thought of sitting on soft beach sands with Steve and Addisyn feeling the waves break at our feet. I could care less about the fireworks show in the distance, knowing Addisyn was there for her first 4th of July was all I would need. All the while, I would be capturing it on photograph to share with the masses…After all, I was at the White House last year.
Back to reality. As 4pm on Sunday approached, I found myself checking Facebook posts while Steve lay on the couch watching T.V. Addisyn’s eyes were getting droopy and as the eightball would say, “outlook (for Stacy’s big 4th of July shebang) does not look good”. The air conditioner and pajamas were calling Addisyn’s name and time was running short before she would be reaching the critical one hour time window we have to lay her down for bed. Keenly aware of my celebration disappointment, Steve approached me with concern and I unloaded my woes. After some discussion, we devised a plan that would save this night yet! A last minute trip to the grocery store for margarita mix and Summer Salsa ingredients was my idea of a spectacular evening. Honestly, who needs fireworks when you have a cute BFF for a husband, Rumikub and delicious summer food?
Love,
Stacy Hart
*Off the Hook Summer Salsa as made by Angela Cinaglia and Nicole Pennington, my CenterPoint Church girls (as made by their friend Kelly)!
Ingredients:
8 Plum Tomatoes, diced
2-3 Jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1/2 Medium Red Onion, diced
1 Large Garlic, Clove, minced
3 Tbs. Fresh Cilantro, chopped
2-3 Limes, squeezed for juice
2 Tsp. Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and serve with your favorite chips (we like the Tostitos with a Hint of Lime!).
Yields: 4-6 cups
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