Elvis

Each year at my grandfather's older adult apartment complex, the agency hosts a fundraiser night called "Elvis & Ribs".  An Elvis impersonator, Tony Rocker comes to perform Elvis' hits.

During the show, attendants can eat their rib dinner and participate in a silent auction.  During the Elvis performance, Tony Rocker will pass out scarves to women in the crowd and kiss their cheeks.  It is so precious seeing older women blush and squeal over Tony Rocker.  :)

The last time I saw Tony Rocker, my grandmother was still alive and my grandparents were both planning on moving to the Regency.  Now, every time I hear an Elvis song, I think of my grandmother and become saddened by the fact that she passed away not long after the rib dinner several years ago.

This year, despite the reminder of my grandmother's passing, the event was a lot of fun.  

I got to hang out with my little cousin Sienna again.

We made a house of dominoes:

Sienna and I went down to see Tony Rocker perform.  And wouldn't you know it?! Sienna got a pink scarf from him!

So, we went after the show to get a picture and autograph from 'Elvis'.  Sienna wanted her full name on the scarf, so I spelled it out for Tony Rocker to sign:

 Right after this picture was taken, a random woman in the line to meet Elvis comes up to me and says:

Woman: "I just wanted to tell you that you are a wonderful mother.  You are so good with her."

Me:  "Oh, I'm not a mom."

Woman: "Aunt?"

Me: "Second cousin." (laughter)

Woman:  "Well, either way...someday you will be a terrific mother."

Me:  "Thank you."

That comment made my entire week.  It was so sweet and encouraging.  If I am blessed with children someday, I do believe I will be a good mother and am excited to experience motherhood if it is God's will for me to have children.

This is just another picture of Tony Rocker working the crowd.

It was a lot of fun seeing 'Elvis' and spending time with my family.

My grandfather always cracks me up when we go to his apartment complex.

As I spend more time with my grandfather, I feel so blessed to know him more and see his personality shine. I'm looking forward to more good times with family and making wonderful memories over the next months and years.

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Fireworks

Lisa and I got back from up North around 3pm today and then I headed, with my parents, to my Aunt Catherine and Uncle Brian's house to celebrate the 4th of July with them.  

I love being with my family.  My adorable 2nd cousin, Sienna, is so precious.  She's 4 years old and loves to play with me.  Today, we colored some Disney Princess pictures and talked about the Crayon names.  Her favorites were "Blast Blue" and "Burnt Sienna".  She would say "I'm coloring with Burnt Sienna.  I'm just Sienna, not burnt".  While we were coloring, she turned to me and said "Annie, you're my best friend".  I almost died.  She is so cute!

This is Sienna.  The first picture is from last summer and the second is from this summer:

(She has marshmallow on her lip in this picture)

Then, my Grandpa, my cousin Sarah, and I played Cribbage.  My Grandpa won 2 games and Sarah won 1 game.  I lost every game we played...

My Grandpa Tony:

After all these years, my Grandpa still plays a mean Cribbage game.  :)

On the way back from my Aunt and Uncle's house, I was able to catch part of the Hart Park fireworks.  Here is what I was able to capture:

I absolutely LOVE fireworks!  I'm so happy I was able to catch a glimpse of the big fireworks show in town before bed tonight.  The fireworks up North were wonderful, but don't really compare with the shows in Milwaukee.  Hope you all had a great holiday weekend and have a wonderful week to come!

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