Memories of the 4th

I absolutely love the 4th~ both past and present. When I was growing up, I spent many July 4th's on the river bank in Pascagoula, Mississippi, yes you read that right. My papaw was a carpenter/preacher and my grandmother loved the outdoors, so they built houses right off the river. Papaw is also known probably thoughtout the entire state of Alabama, (okay so I'm stretchin it a little, but still Jerry Neal's would kill for this receipe) for his signature BBQ. So, with the crystal clear cool creeks off the river and the best tatst'n ribs, you can imagine how sweet those times were for me. Those days were straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, seriously. My mom's side of the family is really large, so the cousins just don't stop. But, I was particulary close to three of the girl cousins closest to my age. Just imagine four young girls all two years apart sitting side by side on the end of the tailgate of a little white datsun truck as our Papaw drives down the sandy roads back from the river. One of those girl's was even born on July 4th and she just happens to turn 30 today. Happy Birthday, Blair. (The first picture is of her and her precious son, Shep, who just turned one.) Just writing this, I'm laughing out loud. I know that many would call this recollection on the redneck side, well, in someways we are! I know this, those days of running barefoot with a cane pole in my hand not caring if I actually caught a fish, but just being out there with grandmother are priceless to me, whether they are redneck or not! Sadly, after Papaw passed, Grandmother decided to sale the camp, so our days of creek banks and BBQ's are not as easy to come by, not to mention that they are all 10 hours away. The picture above is the last time all of us were together at the camp before Grandmother sold it. The second pic is of Bennett enjoying the ribs!

Now I'll bring us out of the past and talk about our present 4th's. For the last five or so years we have celebrated with Doug's side of the family in Mena, AR. Doug's mamaw lives right outside the city limits on lots of acres so we have our own little Hasley, Morrow firework show with my husband being the ringleader. This is our most fun time of the year with his family. We have all the traditional stuff like ice cream, burgers, etc. But just hangin out and letting all the kids play is the most fun. Unlike Christmas where we have all the hurried atmosphere and presents to deal with, the 4th at Mena is simply relaxed and I absolutely love it. Since our family is still expanding, I guess the Hasley crew will be as big as the Sheppard crew. Anyway, some of the shots are from Mena in 05. It is crazy how fast these times fly.

So whether you are heading to a raging river or a picnic in the park today, have a great one!