4th of July

This 4th of July, Scott's parents came to spend the day with us.  My laundry room FINALLY got finished, so Jo came to help me organize it.  We spent the afternoon cleaning and organizing while Grandpa Mike played with Kate.  Then, when the work was done, we had a barbecue.  Then we went for a walk down to the open field to set off our "parachute" firework.  It shot a little army guy up into the air, then floated down and all the kids chased it.

Savannah was the lucky kid who caught the parachute (it helps being the tallest). 

Nate had his heart set on catching it, and when he didn't, he threw himself to the ground in despair.

So, Savannah went over to him and threw it back up in the air as far as she could, and let him catch it.  She's a great big sister.

Kate was happy to just hang out in the stroller and be cute.

And then, instead of heading straight back home, Owen wanted to go for more of a walk, so we kept on going around the neighborhood.  But, Owen decided instead of riding in the stroller, he'd rather push the stroller himself.

But, that was rather slow going, so Scott convinced him to go for a shoulder ride.  Owen wasn't too sure about that, and kept a tight grip on his dad.

 When we got back from our walk, Scott parents headed home, and we started gathering all the neighbors in our cul-de-sac for fireworks.  Everyone brings fireworks to contribute, and it makes for a pretty great show.  I love how great our neighbors are.

Lighting snakes, and waiting for it to get dark.

Lighting sparklers.

Nate was not a fan of any sort of "bang" and spent the entire night with his fingers in his ears.

Owen preferred to watch the fireworks on the go from his trike.

Kate slept in my neighbor's arms for a good part of the fireworks.

And then the real show began...

We had a great fireworks show with some great friends.  I really love where we live.  I love that each of our kids has at least one good friend on our street.  We truly are blessed!