This probably was the most memorable 4th of July we've ever had.  There really was much to compare to.  I do have fond memories of watching the Detroit fireworks when my dad would take all of there by the river.  I always loved it.  Even though we never got to buy those glow sticks and we usually ended up half-eaten by mosquitoes, we had lots of fun watching the fireworks and just being there together.  Israel actually told us that he always hated going to see fireworks as a kid.  So, this weekend, we pulled out all the stops, so to speak. 

On Friday, we didn't do much but unpack and try to do some cleaning.  On Sabbath, we went to church and for potluck, we had a picnic out at Grandma Karen's cabin by the lake.  There was lots of yummy food.  A highlight was when we saw a large family of ducks swim by and nibble seeds off of some tall water reeds.  We came home and the boys took a nice, long afternoon nap while Jen and I chatted.       



Then after they all woke up (3 hours later), we headed over to Agate Beach to close the Sabbath.

Manu and Bentley were the only brave ones to go in the water.  It was FREEZING.

Bentley actually enjoyed playing fetch in the lake...as long as he didn't have to swim!

Jen soaking up so vitamin D.

It was a beautiful evening.

That night, we had our own, personal fireworks show on our back deck.

Lots of sparklers...then it got too cold out.

So, they watched from inside as Jen and I put on the show.

The show went on for about 15 minutes, then it was time for bed.  Now, Manu loves the 4th of July.

The next day, we decided to go see Pictured Rocks in Munising, MI.  It was about 2.5 hours east of us.  We went with Daniel and Jennifer too. 

The banner says, "Munising, The U.P.'s Best Kept Secret!"  We're in line to take the sunset cruise.

We're sitting in the cabin of the boat because it was getting chilly outside.  It was very beautiful to see the naturally-occurring colors and formations in the rocks. 



The different colors are caused by limestone, copper, and manganese deposits.



This formation looks like an Indian head.











On our way back, the crew feed the seagulls.  They started doing this this years ago.  I remember this part when I came here when I was little.  The seagulls know food is coming and as soon as the boat turned around and headed back, hundreds of them surrounded the boat.


We got back late that evening.  The next day, we concluded our 4-day weekend with some grilled vegetable shish-kabobs, quesadillas, and veggie chicken fingers & buffalo wings.  It was yummy.



   
We're glad we were able to spend the holiday with wonderful friends.  I'll post all of the pics from Pictured Rocks in an album on Facebook.

The number three brings completion to many things: triangles have three sides, the work of God is done in three Persons, (Judy says:) we have three pets, we eat three meals in a day (except Judy, she eats like 5, but "that's part of our story" -- Morgan Freeman, March of the Penguins), etc.

This has been a huge inspiration and guide in our family planning strategies.

So the Ramos family is happy to announce that on December 24, 2009, the last member to be born into our family is due to arrive (unless the doctor visitations that will soon follow don't live up to their expectations). Although grandparents (and many of you!!!!!) are fasting and praying for a girl (and have managed to brainwash our oldest to want a little sister), Judy and I are really excited for either! Here's our reasoning:

BOY BENEFITS:
- Three boys in a row -- how many people have it in them to do that! That's the most consistent I've been in my life!
- We can roll with a men's quartet (assuming that they can sing as well as their daddy).
- They can all share one bedroom until they're 18 (with the suffering economy, we have to be prepared "for anything that may or may not happen" - GW Bush).
- More MANual labor for difficult times.
- Manu's hand-me-downs to Micah could survive one more kid, right?!

GIRL GOODIES:
- It would make all of our friends and family very happy.
- Judy would no longer be the only female in the household (including the 3 pets)!
- A girl would help soften the rough edges of the boys (me, not included because I'm a man).
- Israel would get to do his favorite thing: go on a shopping spree.
- Does anyone else think that a baby girl would be able to have her daddy wrapped around her little finger?

Thankfully, God gets to make that decision for us. We will gladly accept either.

On a different note, Judy has been really sick! This has been the worst one yet. But her willingness to be happy, press on, and still work hard have been a silent witness to all in our home. I can truly say that she's one of the best mothers I've ever known in my life and that our upcoming baby will be lucky to have her as a mother.

So as we enter into the next stage of parenthood, we ask for your prayers. We really want to be the best parents we can be and have a desire to take this responsibility seriously.

Thanks,

Judy and Israel