July: Part 2: 4th of July

I am using the second post of July to finish our 4th of July festivities. For those of you who may be new to reading my infrequent blog postings and are wondering why I am so far behind, I explained it in this post. :)

Our town puts on quite the fireworks display every year. A lot of other cities in CO have stopped setting off fireworks for budget reasons, and I am thankful that ours is not one of those! I have always loved fireworks, and besides the noise, Riley loves them too. It's about a 40 minute walk from our house to the lake/park where they set off the fireworks, so the morning of, we drive one car down to the park, park it, walk down to the fireworks later that evening, then just pack everyone up and drive home...which takes awhile with all that traffic. Maybe next year we will just walk home too....but I digress. Here are the pictures!

We started walking at Hailey's bed time. She passed out on the walk and was looking so peaceful by the time we got to the park.

I thought that she would be out until the fireworks started, but as soon as we picked a spot, she was up and having a ball!! She was so excited! She kept clapping and saying, 'yeaaaaaa!', at all the people walking around. This girl loves crowds...always has. :)

Family picture!

Riley had a ball playing with any kid who was around and interested, swinging with Daddy at the park, and falling into the mud. :) He was filthy and loving it! Both kids liked the glow sticks, although we had a scare when Riley bit into one and we couldn't find the package to see if it was non-toxic. Meanwhile he was loving watching his glowing spit. HA! Such a boy (and by the way, they are non-toxic).

Hailey watches her first fireworks. I think we have a new fireworks fan in the family!

(No, that is not a bruise on my cheek. I drew a firwork on there. Corny, yes. Fun, yes.)

Riley watching the fireworks. Like I said, he isn't a huge fan of the noise.

I couldn't find the 'fireworks' setting on my camera in the dark, so these are the best I got.

And that was our fourth!

July: Part 1

Alright, alright! Let's get this (last) month going! :)

We started the month by decorating with some red, white and blue lights, which Riley loved!

I know it looks like he was choking her, but he wasn't.....I promise! :)



Hailey loves to eat now...

Veggies are my FAVORITE!!!

...except for when we first introduced puffs. Those were not appreciated!

"WHAT did you just put in my mouth?!"

"Get it out!"

"Oh my gosh! It's still in there!"

Riley thought that was pretty halarious. :)

We set off some fireworks!

"Blue! Like Thomas!" (Have I mentioned his train obsession?)

He loved holding the sparklers!

We had to look cute and patriotic for church this month!

I love the way my children look when they sleep. Adorable!

We live in a neighborhood that likes to do a lot of social things together to create a sence of closeness and community. We don't attend many events because of our hectic schedule, but one thing that we have done since Riley was born is the 4th of July parade. They section off a certain area of the street, and old and young alike decorate their bikes, hot wheels, power wheels, strollers, etc. and walk in a circle around the neighborhood together. Neighbors who don't have kids, or who just want to watch, line the streets and wave and cheer at everyone walking. It is wonderful.

One of the two cutest kids EVER! :)

There's the other one!

We didn't get too dressed up or decorated this year. That will change next year!!!

Riley loved waving his flags at everyone and shouting, "Happy fourf of July!"

After the parade, we went out to breakfast!

Then it was time to enjoy the backyard pool. It was HOT HOT HOT that day, and our neighborhood pool was way too crowded. Thankfully, the kids love our pool!

He loves to "make oatmeal" by pouring his water into my plants. He even says they are "strawberry" or "raspberry" flavored depending on their colors. :) He's so creative!

"Hi, I'm Hailey, and I'm super cute! That is all you need to know!"

After lunch, the kids wanted to show off their headgear for the fireworks!

This is a good place to stop for now. Part two will have our 4th of July evening excitement! So don't forget to check back! :)