The Fourth

For the Fourth of July, the kids and I spent part of the day at my parents'. Though the water was too chilly for my liking, these two definitely didn't mind. Switching back and forth from the new kiddie pools to the water table, Hadley and Caleb splashed joyously. If all that water fun wasn't enough, Mom and Courtney also took them for a ride on the chicken wagon (aka golf cart) up to see the chickens, over to the woods to pick some wild raspberries, and down to the creek to wade and catch some minnows. My mother said it was one of the best days of her life!

Cutie pie! (Probably the only age that this little girl will ever be seen in a bikini!)

Water wonderland or obstacle course?

After all that outdoor fun, the babies were ready to snuggle in the bed with Pop for some TV and a nap. 

Later that evening, just as we did last year, we celebrated with fireworks at the church. First though came the potluck! Hadley. who had just woken up from a nap. was a little cranky at first until our friend Kelli gave her a slice of watermelon. Then, all was right with the world again.

Dinner was followed by some outside activities - sidewalk chalk, Frisbee, and firecrackers!

We're #1!

I was worried Hadley would be afraid of the fireworks. Nope!

One of the biggest thrills was the homemade waterslide. At first, Hadley sat with Kelli at the top playing in the water and watching as Caleb had the real fun. Eventually, she kept standing and trying to walk down the slide like the rest of the big kids. Though it took some persuasion, finally everyone talked me in to letting her try it out too.

Sitting on the sidelines is only okay for a little while

Chloe was a great riding partner

Uh-oh, who's in line now?

Mommy only felt comfortable if Daddy was Hadley's riding partner

When I saw them spin and flip over, I was a bit panicked. Daddy had her though!

Keslie was a good riding partner too.  (And very pretty Caleb later told us!)

Good grip, Chloe!

Hadley had to go home for bed before the real fireworks began. While her and Dave walked to the house and got cleaned up, Caleb and I watched the display. One of the men at church had 48,000 firecrackers in addition to the normal show. It was a bit insane!  After the remnants began falling on our heads, our lungs filled smoke, and our eyes started getting coated, we retreated inside the church to take cover and wait out the rest. This gave Caleb the opportunity to spy a cupcake that he just had to have. Since it was ten o'clock or so, I didn't think this was the best idea and convinced him we could take it home in a cup and have it the next day. So, after the noise halted and the smoke began to clear, we went for our car, cupcake cup in hand and ready to hit the sack.