Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, California

The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Partially because it's summer, partially because the weather is amazing, and partially because I love the firework shows.

This week-end not only did my family get together, but we also had extended family join us. It seems the more company the more fun the week-end. We all enjoyed each others company, sharing stories, good food and great wine. No one could believe how much the dogs have grown. Murphy is now a little over one and a half years old. Lucy is a little over 1 year old, Clif Richard is three years old, and fish, who knows- just real old!!

On Saturday, the fourth, we started at the lake. We brought everyone up and the dogs. The kids swam, Momma duck and her babies swam by. The dogs played hours of fetch. This was the first time I left them off leash. And they did remarkably well. I had to give a few firm "Stay" or "Leave It", but they listened and we were all happy.

When the evening drew near we all prepared to go down and watch fireworks. I was a little nervous regarding the dogs since they are still young, so I left them on the deck and turned the ipod on for them. So as we watched fireworks at the Ironstone Vineyards, they listened to a variety of music at home. It all went well.