July 4th weekend + Bambino Shower

July 4, 2013, brought a weekend full of smiles.  Samantha and Jake came from California

while Andy, Hope and Donna came from Springfield

and Tony drove in from Denver.

The Gs were with us

and Cheryl and Melissa joined as for a while too.

Aunt Nancy and Heidi joined us briefly but not long enough for me to snap any pictures.  Brother Sam was on call and unable to join us.  Bummer.

The Potwin 4th of July Parade brought horses to our house for Dad to touch and smell.

Glenn and Mary joined us for the Pot Luck Dinner ... 

 as did a whole bunch of other people.

Friday morning was Potwin Plays Golf where the team of Quist, Gonzalez, Crow and Crow captured a Silver Medal. 

The Friday night Potwin Porch Crawl allowed us to porch-hop while tasting an interesting variety of exotic drinks (Blue Hawaiians, Beer-ritas and Watermelon vodkas to name a few) all served in souvenir patriotic mugs.

Oh yes ... I was sworn to secrecy for so long that I failed to mention the really big news ... Samantha is pregnant!  Named Bambino for now, Baby Boy Quist is due in 6 weeks.  I talked sports with him and felt his backswing.

Helen communicated using a different technique.

Cheryl, Melissa and Donna hosted a Bambino Shower Saturday morning.   Apparently they had lots of fun.

 The 5 guys + Hope went cowboy boot shopping for Jake and TV shopping for Dad.  

We conquered.

Thinking that Jake might have an interest in cattle ranching, we visited Helen's friends, Bill and Kathy Hogue, and their herd of Angus cows ... and these 3 big bulls ...

at Mission Valley Ranch.  In addition to developing housing subdivisions in Topeka, the Hogues serve as advocates for historic preservation and stewards for the scenic Kansas Flint Hills.  Their stone fences are a prime example of pride and craftsmanship while doubling as magnificent works of art. 

Their restoration projects at Stonebridge will leave a legacy. 

Thanks, Bill and Kathy for making a difference.

Unfortunately, our 4th of July weekend had to end.  Thanks to all who joined us and for bringing your handsome smiles to our world.

We look forward to meeting Bambino soon.