Friends, family, fireworks and fiber

Wishing weekends didn't end so soon. Wishing we didn't have to make the trip home. Wishing that work didn't get in the way of all our fun.

We have returned safe, sound and sleepy from our whirlwind trip to Illinois to visit Needlefingers, Pilot, Rudy and Brando. Our trek got off to a rather rocky start as we learned that our reason for leaving on Saturday instead of Friday was for naught.

However, after a quick stop along the way, we finally made it to our destination, just in time for a cookout, birthday cake and gift opening. We wrapped up our evening with a fireworks display in a nearby town. Lots of light, lots of loud "booms" and a little frustration with the fireworks setting on my camera.

Lazy from the heat, we turned in earlier than our hosts and slept late into the next morning. After breakfast we got a chance to see the Brando and Rudy's super secret project in person. The patio, landscaping and fish pond are beautiful.

And dear Yin, well she's quite the looker in high heels, a feather boa and an eye patch. Special appreciation to Yuri for sharing his prize piece of icecream cake.

After lunch along the lake and some site-seeing, we returned to Chez Needlefingers/Pilot for some more quality time and knit-tutoring while the boys napped.

Regretfully we eventually packed our bags and bid farewell.

Big thanks to our hosts for putting up with us and a reminder that we need to set up a date to return the favor.

(PS: I wrapped up one of my top secret blogger exchange socks.)

A shot of the fireworks using a special setting. It doesn't do the display justice.