A fresh perspective

The 4th of July has never been a really big deal at our house. I like watching fireworks and having the hubby home from work, but we never really got too worked up about it. Maybe it's because there are people shooting fireworks for several days before & after the 4th in our neighborhood. Regardless, this 4th of July was a ton of fun! One of my favorite things about being a parent is getting to experience life from a whole new view. Jack was so excited about Independence Day this year and he was even old enough to talk about why we celebrate the holiday. He helped me hang the flag and the day was full of all kinds of fun!  And of course dressing up a baby girl was exciting too!  After some 4th of July pancakes to start the day, we had an impromptu photo shoot of my darlings. 

Can you feel his excitement?

So proud of his fireworks shirt!

We made patriotic rice krispie bars.  Yum!  There was supposed to be a white layer, but I goofed up one of the batches, so we went with red and blue instead.

Some preschool appropriate fireworks made of toilet paper rolls & bubble wrap.  

Our yummy supper of burgers, smoked beans, and potato salad.  Don't forget the beer!

After supper and the baby was asleep, we went to the backyard for some "water fun." We hooked up the slip and slide, filled the water guns, and put on our suits.  We were all very, very wet about an hour later.  I had not had that much fun in the backyard in a long time! 

And, finally, the fireworks.  Jack was so excited when they really started going off and was content to watch them for quite a long time.  Even after he declared he was really tired a few times, he stayed and watched them like a trooper.

And what made the day, was when Jack was getting ready for bed.  "Mommy, that 4th of July was super exciting!"  Yes, it was.