Surrounded by Family. Surrounded by Love

Deramus Family Reunion 2009

This year, the Deramus Family Reunion was held in Tampa, Florida. Nora was able to meet her Uncle Buddy and Aunt Patti for the first time. She even got to spend the night at their house in Orlando. This is where we discovered that Nora does like baked beans. I guess I just don't make them as well as Uncle Buddy does. :D

In Tampa, we were able to spend lots of time with Cousin Rebekah and Aunt Necie. They are so much fun! I think we were the loudest room on our hallway. Nora and Cousin Preston ran from room to room laughing and playing. Later, Nora won a prize for being the youngest family member at the banquet. It was a lovely piggy bank that said "college fund." If only that was all the money we need for her to go to college. Wouldn't that be awesome?

A Weekend like No Utter!

We had a fabulous weekend celebrating National Cow Appreciation Day. We began by going to Cagle Dairy Farm. Yes, we actually made it this time, and we had a good time!

Nora tried to be such an independent little lady. She didn't want any help when given the opportunity to feed a calf. It was quite amusing to see her go from "I can do this all by myself" to "HOLY COW!" (Sorry about the joke. I couldn't help it.:D) Nora also had a mooey old time sticking her finger in the milking machine, but the highlight was the hayride. The cows came up and literally ate from the hay we were sitting on. It was great. Nora stood up and mooed most of the ride.




Our next part of this celebration included dressing up like a cow to get a free meal at Chik-fil-a. (The things people do for free food...) Nora and I dressed up, but Daddy was too cool. I guess that's why he only had a milkshake for dinner. :D

America's Sweetheart

This is my favorite patriot song. I really get goose bumps and a warm feeling every time I hear it.

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

We spent the 4th of July at home. Daddy cooked out on the grill. Later, we ate apple pie and ice cream while watching the fireworks from the Walmart parking lot. (Now that I am typing that, it sounds a little red-neckish...)

Anyway, God Bless America!