Happy 4th of July!!

On Tuesday, a friend had us over to swim. Lee stayed home with Will and I took Amy and Tyler with me. It was Tyler's first time in a pool. (I had just fed him and he was spitting up) Afterwards he fell right asleep and took a great nap.

The fourth always sneaks up on me. Well, actually, every holiday does. I had *hoped* we'd be in NY this year celebrating with everyone up there, but the move set us back and we weren't able to make it. Maybe next year. 

We started the day with blue star shaped pancakes. I meant to just add sprinkles to the batter, but when I did, they dissolved and turned it blue. Thus the blue. Oh well, the kids were excited.

For the rest of the day, we just hung out. Earlier in the week, Linda and I decided to combine our families for our "Fourth of July festivities." So we also did a little straightening for that too. Lee's job was to tackle the play room. He managed to get rid of a ton, and then hide half of what was left. The plan is to switch out the toys in a few months- that way there are new "things" to play with. I have to admit- it looks so nice and clean up there. I don't have any before and after pictures, so you'll just have to trust me.

Anyhow- the Reece's came over and the kids got playing. They get along really well, and that's always nice.

After awhile the kids got bored (because that's what kids do. When you want them to play, they don't and say they are bored) It hasn't rained here in months and months. I found it hysterical that they day everyone has bbq's and outdoor activities planned, it rained. Anyway, it had just monsooned for about 10 minutes so we sent them out to play in the after math. 

I gave them chalk to draw with. So of course they added it with water and made "paint."

These were Amy's handprints on the bathroom door. I took a picture because her left hand looks like it's the live long and prosper hand sign.

Since it was so hot and now super humid, Linda and I made an executive decision to not drive to see fireworks. We told the kids they could watch them on tv instead. Dallin was super excited about this.

But then we started wondering if we could see them from our house. We live about 2 miles from the "shooting off" place. Turns out, you cold see them! In fact, half of our neighborhood was gathered in the street watching.

This picture makes me laugh because Will was standing right behind Amy, and he stayed right behind her. If she moved, he did too. It was really cute. I guess she was his shelter??

Tyler's first 4th of July fireworks! (Its cool in our house, that's why he's in a sleeper- it was definitely NOT cool outside!)

So Amy and Dallin are basically best friends. They are just alike, 2 peas in a pod. They both got into Discovery school and Linda and I joke about the poor teacher if they are in the same class. During the fireworks we caught them holding hands!!! What!!?? Then later on, while watching more fireworks on tv, Amy was curled up with him. Oh my! We are going to have to watch these two! Lee told Dallin to "come back in 20 years with a college degree."

Then we attempted some photos.... one of our family, Nice face Amy! Tyler holding his ear and Will's blue eyes blazing.

Then we attempted some "everyone" photos with the self timer. Linda and I both had our self timer's going, and we kept running to get into place in the time allotted. You can see how that worked out...!

We are grateful for our wonderful country, the freedoms we endure and most of all- for wonderful friends!