4th of July - 2017

Every year, our neighborhood hosts a HUGE 4th of July celebration; it is probably one of my most favorite things about this place.  The community and the neighbors are so wonderful.

The day begins with a parade to the park that the kids have always chosen to partake in, followed by refreshments and activities.  Later, there is a potluck at the park and fabulous fireworks over the lake.

This year was a little different for us because the girls had a sleepover at Aunt Deb's house the night before.  So, Steve quickly picked them up at 9:00 am and rushed home so that they could change and be ready for the parade.  It was kind of a rushed affair for us because it was unclear which of the kids actually wanted to partake this year.  Sam was undecided (it IS a long walk) and if nothing else, we could just join in as the parade went past our house and follow them to the park.

I threw a few streamers onto bikes/scooters/the wagon (again, less preparation than any years in the past), snapped a picture of the kids, lubed everyone with sunscreen ... and we were off!

Look at those blue eyes!

Two sisters, two years apart in age and worlds apart in their personalities.

Ready to go!

Sophia and Jack went on ahead of us and joined in the parade.  Eventually they caught back up with us, and Jack was quick to inform me that the horn on the fire truck was way too loud!  It was.

While we were waiting for the middle kids, Sam took a quick patriotic picture for me.

Here comes Sophia!

And Jack!

Even Jimmy was riding in style ...

At the park, the girls met up with our neighbor.

A favorite activity every year is the cupcake decorating.  I think that Sophia consumed at least three of them while we were there.

Face-painting and tattoos.

I couldn't imagine that Jimmy would sit still long enough for the face-painting, so he got a sticker instead.  And then he found Sam's sunglasses.  Cutest thing ever.

Jack was rarely in one spot long enough for me to take his picture, but he had just as much fun with the face-painting, cupcake decorating, water games and sand castle building.

Jimmy's favorite thing though was the balloons; he confiscated them early on and managed to only pop one the whole time that we were down there.

Eventually, James and I headed back home for a rest (Jimmy, not me), but not before I managed to take a quick selfie of us together.  I couldn't love this little boy any more than I do.

Happy birthday, America!