Happy Fourth of July!!

To celebrate the 4th we grilled some brats, and here you can see my homemade English trifle (iiiiirony), complete with authentic Bird's custard...yummy. Richard is still in town until tomorrow; this morning we got breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast places in town, LaBellevia, walked around downtown, and visited the Flagstaff Arboretum. There we walked through the desert gardens, and saw a "raptor" show. The hawks and falcons were flying over our heads across the audience, from post to post, and came within about one inch of Richard's head -- he was not impressed. One of the birds was an Eurasian Eagle Owl that looked about 3 times the size of Madeline -- frighteningly huge.

We had off of work on Friday, so Thursday we went out in downtown Flagstaff with Richard and some friends. I don't think Jason and I have ever had that much fun downtown before Richard visited! A lot of Friday we spend hanging around the house, shopped for July 4th, and went for pizza at our favorite pizza shop, New Jersey Pizza, who make their dough, sauce, and mozzarella cheese with fresh, local, organic ingredients. Richard agreed that it brings pizza to a whole new level.

Earlier in the week, we took Richard out to lunch at our favorite taco place, Tacos Los Altos, and went to dinner for sushi at the best sushi place in town, that serves HUGE rolls of sushi. We couldn't nearly finish everything we ordered, but went to see the Hangover afterwords (HILARIOUS!!) and stuffed ourselves with Red Vines and popcorn. If you haven't had Red Vines before, they are the West coast version of Twizzlers, but better...definitely try them if you have the chance. We have done tons of fun things while Richard has been here, but mostly, just hanging out like we used to in Clemson.

Unfortunately, Richard goes home tomorrow. Jason and I have loved having him around, and we will really miss him when he leaves. Luckily, I get to see he and my parents again in August for Angileigh's wedding.
We hope everyone had a nice 4th of July...all I have to say is...
USA!USA!USA! ;)
XOXO
Helen, Jason, Richard, and Maddie