The peacefulness, the quiet, the river running through all make “The River,” as we call it, one of my very favorite places. Our very small family all gathered there July Fourth weekend — Leslie and Martin, their Samantha and Jeremiah, Sam’s friend Hannah, Carolynn and Bill, Peter and me. Oh, and the dogs Tillie, Huckleberry, Gooseberry, and Nobby.

Such a special time for so many reasons. The holiday weekend was extended because Carolynn and Bill stayed through Friday, and that gave us extra time to do what we do best — eat, shop, talk, play cards, wade, swim, laugh, color, and, did I say, eat?

Color July watermelon red, homemade vanilla ice cream white, and blueberry pie blue. Then add peach pie gold, summer green salad, strawberry ice cream pink, and fresh corn yellow. Add in the grilled shades of beef tenderloin, Polish sausage, and beer butt chicken to picture our feasts.

Coloring July Fourth.

Miah calms Nobby.

Sam, Huck, Hannah, Goose.

Besties and their pups.

Huck squeezes in.

Goose ‘hides.’

My one good hand.

Carolynn won every game.

Leslie shuffles slick new cards.

Les usually triumphs.

‘NO, DAD, DON’T!’

Peter and Nobby stay well away from the water.

Miah, Bill, Martin trim the tree.

Bill and Miah prop the tree, while Sam tugs a log.