Happy Birthday America!

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Wow, its hard to believe its July already! Before we get to the festivities of the Fourth...Happy Birthday Grandma Schuster!!! My grandma turned 80 this past week :) and doesn't look a day over thirty! She is an amazing woman who truly has embraced all that life has to offer. She has showered her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and strangers with her love, generosity, and enthusiasm. We love you! (She also is the only one who can take normal pictures!)


The fourth was a crazy experience for us this year. Living in the Eastlake neighborhood is definitely proving to be exciting and fun during the summer. Starting on Saturday we watched the barge get pulled into place right in front of our apartment...this is where they would be setting off the fireworks on Sunday night! On Sunday as we got ready for friends to come over the boats were pouring into the area to get a good spot for the show. We had a few friends over for the festivities...Brandon made shrimp tacos complete with cabbage slaw, guacamole, and salsa! Everyone brought food and drinks so we were set for the evening!
The neighborhood came to life around 1pm with fireworks, yelling, people walking around. It was so fun to watch for our balcony. Then around 10:30 the fireworks started and were amazing. We had an amazing view!! Our neighbors continued the show well into the early morning hours...come Monday we were tired!



As we walked through the area Monday morning it looked like the outside of a frat house! There were remains of beer cans, bottles, fireworks, garbage....it was crazy! Thankfully, Starbucks sponsers a clean up Lake Union the day after. So hundreds of volunteers come through the area and pick up trash and recycle. Overall, it was a wonderful Fourth spent with friends, food, and fireworks :)