Happy 4th of July!

Cousins...

It's really great being in the United States on the 4th of July.  We've spent the past two years in other countries and tried really hard to have a nice celebration, but there's nothing like actually being here.  We didn't do anything super special, but that's what made it nice.  We spent the day at my brother's in-laws house swimming in their gorgeous pool, eating bar-b-que, and ended the day with fireworks at the local college.

I took the opportunity to try out the underwater feature on my new camera.  I bought a Pentax WG-1 and it's supposed to be able to go to 33 feet.  So far, so good.  With Andy gone, I thought ya'll might be missing the exciting underwater wildlife.  First up....the mysterious mermaid....

I never knew mermaids had to hold their noses???

Isn't she cute?  Evidently, the new thing here is mermaid tails.  I thought it was a joke, but no, one of Caitie's friends actually paid big bucks for a tail.  Caitie's grandmother is pretty handy with the sewing machine so she made one for her.  I wasn't able to get the whole thing in the picture.  I suck at taking underwater photos...but you get the idea.

When the professional is away the amateur will play...with her camera.
As if...

Not the most flattering picture ever but I was impressed that Jake took it.
I've never been known as photogenic anyway...thought you might enjoy.

On another note....I've been able to hear from Andy more days than not and I guess he's doing pretty well.  He's struggling a little with the lack of efficiency (which is a little surprising considering where we came from), but he's getting paid and staying safe so all is good.  He sent a few pictures as well, more of the quality you're used to ;).

Kabul

Shooting the shooter.

I have to say, the beard is quite becoming.  

My very handsome husband :)