the essence

The perfect Fourth of July. It really was. The only thing that wasn't too ideal was my camera breaking. :(

I was thrilled to spent the fourth with my family in Orlando - Ray was even able to make it (he hadn't been over since December)! Every year Winter Park has a fabulous outdoor festival on Park Avenue to celebrate the fourth. One of the best things about this festival is 1. I've been going since I was a little kid & 2. everything is FREE. Everything. Free entertainment, admission to the museum, hotdogs, drinks, chips, & watermelon, activities for the kids, old car show...it's great! (For more photos & my mom's version of the day go here)

The stage with the entertainment...I love all of the red, white, & blue. This is a very small portion of the festivities - the place was packed!



First we ran into my Uncle Greg, Aunt Melissa, & their two boys. Here's Greg & his youngest, Gregory, with Addison. Gregory LOVES babies.




Next it felt like we were in a scene from Gilmore Girls. My parents, Ray, Addison, & I got our free lunch & went by the fountain in the middle of the park. All of a sudden we see the Nix family walking towards us from one of the paths. Then, the Tuggle family came walking from a different direction. Next, Megan & Matthew came walking up & joined us. It was great! Just like being in a little small town (even though we weren't) where you randomly run into a bunch of people you know.


Eva & Addison




Mom & the Tuggles




Dad & Mom




Megan & Matthew




Addison was "Born in the U.S.A." (I bought that shirt in the dollar bin at Target & then sewed on the red ribbon)



Family photo #1




Family photo #2



Ray & Addison at the fountain.




After the picnic my camera broke but the rest of the day was wonderful as well. We left right before the rain began, my Mom & I made a Starbucks/Target run, & we had Mark & Dar & the Tuggles over for a delicious dinner!