but don't be too sad, cause we'll probably post a few blogs while we're gone!The 4th of July is a pretty big deal to our family.
We are most looking foward to fireworks on Rankin Hill Saturday night. A whole bunch of family (& now friends are coming too) gathers on beautiful Rankin Hill overlooking the Ohio River for a magical evening. Different family members make homemade ice cream (banana, pinapple, vanilla, cookie-dough, blackberry, mango...you name it!) & we watch the sun dip into the river & the fireflies dance with the children.
Aron & I are both very, very sentimental...so this tradition has become very dear to us. Last year, Aron told me, "I think fireworks on the hill...the magic of the whole evening...is what heaven must be like." Here's a few photos from the years:
erica & rae (aron's 1st cousin)
brian, jackie, aron, jean, & dp
alyssa & brian (aron's sis)
erica & sage (she's so little here!)And of course, being the saps that we are, we decided that the only place to celebrate our marriage was this wonderful spot that had become so special to us. So we also had our wedding reception on this very grass.
Needless to say, we are a little excited about this weekend...now maybe you'll understand a little better why. We love you all very much!
ejk
PS...for our non-ohio friends:
The Rankin House was owned by John Rankin, a minister & abolishonist, who opened his home as the first stop on the underground railroad. Slaves would cross the Ohio River from Slave Territory (Kentucky) to Freedom Land (Ohio) and head directly up the steep hill to Rev. Rankin's safe abode. He & his many sons would guard the house with shotguns should any slave catchers attempt to climb up the hill.
Pretty cool place to celebrate our freedom and remember those who have sacrificed greatly so that we may live free.
3 comments:
Oh, I can't believe you got to have your wedding at Rankin House! And I didn't know about the fireworks!
I've written two books about the Rankin family--if you live in Ripley or Brown County you can get them at the library--ask Alison Gibson. They are Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River.
What you said about celebrating our freedom there and remembering those who have sacrificed so greatly that we may live free is beautiful. Thanks.
Stephanie Reed
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Stef
I love that you included a picture of my baby! I keep telling her that she's been there for fireworks, but she doesn't remember it. I'll have to have her get on and look at the picture!
wow thats actuly really really cool. how do you guys manage to still be able to go there all the time. Like does someone you know own it or is it a public place you just tend to dominate. please explain. i very intrested.
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