Independence Day Weekend

Our Independence Day Weekend started on Saturday at the park with "Shake the Lake". The town next to us has an all day event with booths, inflatables, pageants and contests all day and then a fireworks display at dark. This is our third year going and we enjoy it. We headed over earlier than normal this year for the Baby pageant because my niece, Joanna, was going to be in it. There were 4 baby girls 0-12 months old and Joanna won! Of course, we all think she's just the cutest anyway. :-)

We spent the afternoon at home and then headed back to the park about 5 or so. It was a hot afternoon, but we managed. We got our usual spot on the water with a great view and then we spent some time enjoying the festivities. Seth bought each brother and sister a jump on the bounce house and slide and we visited with family and friends we happened to see. We had some supper and just tried to stay cool until the sun started to go down. The children did get a little whiny, but they were okay once our friends arrived. Then they played together while we waited for the fireworks.
We think the fireworks are pretty great! Samuel didn't like the noise. He sat in my lap and made me put my hands over his ears, but he only cried briefly at the beginning. Hannah didn't cry, but sat in the stroller and wouldn't look at the fireworks the whole time. Silly girl.
All in all, we had a fun day and we look forward to going again next year.

Joanna won Baby Miss Firecracker at the pageant!
We are so proud of you, Joanna!

Aunt Jessie is such a good aunt.
She is always seeing ways she can help the children (and me!) when she is around.

Thanks, Jessie!

Staying cool in the heat.

My hunk!

He really knows how to work the cute factor. :-)

Must have learned it from big brother. :-)

Some people were passing out these tracts and they gave Hannah one.
She thought they had given her a real dollar!

My handsome firstborn son.

We were happy to run into Aunt Katie at the park.

Noah was just hanging around! LOL

Aunt Jessie showing off her Blueberry Slushie grin. hehehe :-)

Playing with Aunt Rachel

A little before dark some friends of ours arrived to watch the fireworks with us.
They bought all of the children (11 altogether!) a patriotic pinwheel. The children enjoyed those very much.

Make it go again, sister!