Happy Birthday America!

We had so much fun on the 4th of July weekend this year. This is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate because of the all the great memories and summer fun activities. We spent the 3rd up at Grandma and Grandpa's house playing, swimming, eating and relaxing. All the usual's were there, including Steven and Becca who come down from Minnesota every year to visit. We love when they come and the kids eventually start to warm up to them by the time they have to leave (sigh).

Piper LOVES swinging and that is an understatement. She will be in there for an hour and still not want to get out. We usually end up leaving the scene with lots of kicking and screaming. Can't wait to get this girl learning how to pump on her own! She does look so happy and quiet when she is swinging that it is hard not to say no. Que runway narrator voice: Piper is wearing her ever so stylish 4th of July sunglasses as she lounges by the pool on this holiday weekend. Ahh, the luxuries of summer.

Brody went down the slide about 100 times that day.

He and Preston were having SO much fun sliding down together.

One happy kid!I think this was the first time Piper had ever gone down the slide.Making her way down with Daddy. . . .and not liking it much. She had the shocked look on her face for a while after.Hanging with Grandpa Brown.Nothing like a little BBQ on the 4th.
The picture of summer.

Later that day, we pulled out some sparklers before everyone had to leave. Too bad it was just too light outside to really see the full effect. The kids seemed to really enjoy it and thankfully no one got burned this year (yes, that was my son last year).
If you ask the kids, they'll say you just can't leave Grandma and Grandpa's house without roasting marshmallows and making some s'mores.

One messy, sticky little girl!

Since the 4th was Sunday, we went about our normal Sabbath day and went to church at our awful time of 2 to 5 (can't wait for that one to change!). After church, we grabbed a quick bite, changed, and drove up to watch fireworks with the family. I have so many fun memories of watching fireworks with my family and friends, playing sports while we waited for the show to start, bringing snacks along to enjoy, blankets to cuddle with, and, of course, sprinklers going off (yes it happened this time too). I love how that doesn't seem to have changed.Can't wait for those fireworks!

Brody took over the camera to take some of the group. . . . . . .
and some of Piper. Piper was still in shy, people shock mood. She gets like this after a nap or when the attention is on her. She looks oh so cute though!Mommy and Brody.
Mommy and Piper. It was one cold night and definitely the coldest 4th of July I ever remember.Cute cousin Lucas.The boys made friends with some boys next to us who were nice enough to give them glow sticks. They did as boys do and pretended they were swords.
The little ones loved being around Grandma and Grandpa.
Watching the fireworks while eating the delicious caramel corn that Kristi made.The view from our seats.I love that we are making memories with our kids now just as I have my own of when I was young. It was a great way to celebrate the birthday of this country's independence with family and good times.