4th of JULY

4th of JULY was such a GREAT holiday to celebrate with the kids this year.  Justin was originally supposed to work so we had planned to spend most of the day at the POOL.  It was overcast and a little chilly so we opted to do the pool thing after naptime.  I was so worried we wouldn't have anywhere to sit because all week our pool friends had been telling me how CRAZY the 4th is at the pool, but due to the weather it was pretty empty.  The kids had a BLAST playing the diving games, the bucket races, and hula hoop contest.  Prizes were a $1 coupon to the concession stand.  So MUCH fun!

 

After the pool we headed home to shower and do a quick turnaround to be ready for our next adventure.  The MAXWELLs' house!  The kids were so excited to go play at a friends house!  I was so excited that Justin didn't end up having to work and we could go as a family!  The Maxwells have a large backyard and most of the night was spent running around playing cops and robbers, tag, or whatever game that they came up with.  Mika pretty much did her own thing playing on the swings and wandering around gathering sticks.  We even stayed for the beginning of the backyard movie- the kids thought it was the most awesome thing EVER!  But alas ALL good things have to come to an end.  

4th of July is much more than BBQs, pool parties, and fireworks - it's celebrating this AMAZING country where we enjoy so many freedoms.  It's remembering/recognizing the men and women who serve this country protecting those freedoms and the many who have lost their lives doing just that.  I am PROUD to be an American and thank ALL those who make this country and it's freedoms possible!  USA! USA!  USA!