We have to make sure that we start the enjoyment while the kiddos are young! It’s the first Major League Baseball Home Run Derby that the kids have been interested in. Laura sits with Daddy and John sits with Uncle Jeremy.
Measure of a Successful Sunday
How do I measure a successful Sunday? By the amount of things crossed off my To Do list! The only thing left on my list is laundry and I’m working on that. I even managed to finish off a Bailey’s Irish Cream bottle in there too. All that is left besides the laundry is to make dinner (cooking in the crockpot now), clean the kitchen from dinner, and make lunches. Ah…..I see a very relaxing evening in my very near future.
Busy Saturday = Tired Kids
We had a busy, fun Saturday. First, we went to the Home Depot for Kid’s Workshop. This month, the kids got to build a moving truck. Kathryn and Andrea met us there and, about halfway through our projects, Alia appeared! The kids all had a blast despite it being packed with kids. Home Depot had five full tables going today.
After lunch at home, we packed up and headed to Little Mates’ Cove for some swimming. It amazes me how well Laura swims these days and John is no longer afraid of the fountains. It was a fun few hours with the kids. I didn’t take that many pictures, but I did snap this one… I’m not sure if Laura OR Andy is having more fun.
Both kids fell asleep on the way home and spent the rest of the afternoon/early evening watching television and laying around. We have two tired kids! Tired enough that when we put them to bed at 8:00 pm, we got no complaints. Ahhh…..some much needed quiet time for the parents!
Since when did…
…men start reading directions? Oh wait, I’m married to the one man who actually *reads* directions! Teach that little boy good habits, husband! His future wife will be very happy some day…
Three Things That Must Be Done The Day After Independence Day
First, clean the street!
Next, throw away all the spent fireworks garbage.
And lastly, (especially if you have to work at 8 am) get coffee from Starbucks. Please note: This is not a time for regular, boring coffee. After going to bed at midnight and getting up at 5:30 am, one must arm themselves with good, strong coffee similar to my Grande-sized Cafe Latte with two extra espresso shots.
Independence Day!
This year’s Independence Day did not disappoint! We celebrated our nation’s birthday with great friends and neighbors. We enjoyed great food, fantastic conversation, lots of laughter, and awesome fireworks. Between the fireworks from our crew and all the ones that go off in the areas surrounding us, it’s just amazing. Fireworks every way you turn. For the first time ever, all the kids made it through the entire evening and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m sure they will be tired kids tomorrow, but what fun for them today! I truly love our July 4th celebrations with our great friends. It just gets better every year! Now, on to pictures starting with “The Crew!”
The kids were very excited to wear the traditional Old Navy $5 flag t-shirts. Laura even said, “Mommy, I have to wear my flag shirt. It’s the Fourth of July! I can’t wear a regular shirt. That wouldn’t be right.” That’s my girl!
It has been ridiculously hot here, so we all hung out inside until 8 pm or so. We finally ventured out to a setting sun and got to watch a beautiful sunset while Andy and the men prepared the yard and street for the impending fireworks display. And yes, these *are* specially built launch pads for our hilly street…..
Did I mention that we have great friends? Love my ladies, Crystal and Rachel!
Laura just loves this holiday. She can’t wait for the fireworks. Her favorites include chasing the parachutes and the Sky Lanterns.
John spent most of the evening covering his ears from the loud booms, but he wasn’t about to go inside! He even said, “NO! NO! I just cover my ears.” 
The fireworks went off everywhere, from fountains…
…to Sky Lanterns…
…to mortars. It’s always quite a sight! People a couple of blocks over from our house set off mortars all night long. They were beautiful and we *loved* watching them all!
As always, the night must come to an end, but what a great Independence Day celebration. Thanks to all our great friends for being there with us! We had a great time!
My Latest Obsession…
…is Pinterest (www.pinterest.com). I can’t help it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this website! My favorite part is all the different recipes that everyone else has found, but there are other things I like too. For dinner tonight, we had Easy Salmon in a Bag and, this past Sunday, we had Crockpot Coke Chicken. Both recipes are keepers and have to go into the dinner rotation.
I’ve also found some interesting home and gift ideas, like using an old Pringles container as a cookie tin. All you have to do is clean out the Pringles can, wrap it in your favorite scrapbook paper, add in your favorite cookie, put the lid on, and add a gift tag and ribbon! Done! I’ve already started saving Pringles cans for Christmas gifts. Yes, I’m aware it’s July… Shhhhhhh… I won’t tell anyone if you don’t. I also made this neat candle holder. I had the hurricane glass and garland already. I layered the dried red beans, dried split peas, and popcorn. Add candle and done!
Yes, I know. I am obsessed. I admit that I have a problem. I don’t think I’ll bother to attempt to fix this problem though.