English Visitor for the 4th of July Week!

I can't believe its already the middle of July! We've had a busy past couple of weeks, which is why I'm a bit slow on posting pics from the 4th of July and our *special* visitor!
Micah's friend, Dan, flew in from London the Friday before AMERICA's Independence Day. It was fun... and ironic to celebrate it with an Englishman, but he was a great sport about the whole thing. In fact, Dan was an incredible support & encourager the whole week...
The first couple of days were just hanging around the house, local towns and in Seattle. We went to Edmonds (small town on the waterfront). Saw the "gum" wall in Seattle (I'd never seen it before - SO gross & SO much gum!). Hung out around Pike Place Market... And made some super yummy meals at home (steak, ribs, etc!). Apparently in the UK, a person can only by already-shucked corn, so this was Dan's FIRST EVER corn-shucking experience. :)

We enjoyed the 4th of July with a great out-door church service, then hung out in our neighborhood, having a BBQ with the neighbors and watching a local fireworks. It was fun & relaxing! Here is Val - sporting her American-pride colors! Pictured below is the summer intern we're hosting - Dominique (left) and her friend, Stacey who visited for the weekend!

Experiencing her first "popper!"

We spend a couple of afternoons out at Lake Sammamish at Ralph & Teree's house.

Valerie just LOVES playing in the sand & water! (p.s. You can finally see some photos of how big my belly is getting. Only 10 more weeks to go!!)

Dan got to take his first-ever ride on a sea-doo, as well! He had a blast! Though we had a wonderful week with Dan here, we experienced a bit of tragedy as well... that's why I mentioned what a great support & encouragement Dan was! Unfortunately, Valerie startled Samson while he was sleeping & he bit her... that might explain the scratches/bruising on her face in the pictures above & below. She is just fine, healing well and should have minimal to no scaring. Though we love Samson, we just can't trust him around her (or this next little one that we'll have soon), so he is going to find a new home. We miss him, but know that its the best thing for him and for our little ones.

Dan - thank you for coming to visit! We miss you already!