Sweet Land of Liberty

First on the agenda was the parade. Thanks to Carol and company who braved the rain to camp out for seats. The kids were so excited (even though Brook wouldn't smile). Their anticipation for the 4th of July is second only to Christmas. I love our traditions and I love that the kids are making great memories. It has been neat to see their love for their country take root.
I also love that we share our traditions with our extended family, too. Emily, Chirs, Marc, Liz, Rachel, Benjamin, Nicole, Mom and Dad Anson and a whole bunch of Puckett cousins were at the parade. We were a loud and crazy bunch. We even got a surprise visit from the Bills. We loved catching up with you guys!


After the parade we had lunch at the Brick Oven, of course. David actually made our reservation when we were there on Christmas Eve. I actually remembered to take the camera to the restaurant this time. The kids had a great time with the Smith and Puckett cousins. They even managed to squeeze a little eating in.
Next stop: Grandma and Grandpa Anson's for rest time. Joseph and I even got a nap. We celebrated Benjamin's first birthday (I still can't believe he is 1!) and the kids hit the pool. Sariah decided the water was too cold and opted to lie in the sun. Zac and Ally are my fish. They were in their own little world, splashing and singing and giggling. Poor Benjamin got roughed up a bit. Since his recent surgery, he is not supposed to get water in his ears. Sorry.

Brooklyn was unsure at first. She played around the edge and got in once and then right back out. When she asked to play with the bucket, Joseph put it in the middle of the pool and put her back in with it. There was no turning back. It was the first time she has played by herself in the pool. She was shrieking and splashing, having the time of her life. It is a little hard to tell in the picture below, but she quickly figured out how to dump the bucket onto the other kids. The video at the end cracked us all up.

All that swimming worked up quite an appetite. We were at the right place. Grandpa knows how to put on a holiday cook out, complete with a kid table and a decorated garage. Thanks, Grandpa. With full tummies, we headed to the fireworks. Brook did not quite make it. She fell asleep on the way and woke up two hours later in time to see the last of the fireworks. They must have made an impression because she woke up long enough to tell Emily, "We all done with fireworks." On Sunday, she talked about the "lights" and the firetrucks in the parade.

These two were not sleepy at all. I wish I could figure out where they get all their energy. They did not hardly stop to watch the fireworks. They kept "fighting" the fireworks with thier glo stick light sabers. There was a grand Star Wars game going all night long. All four kids fell asleep on the way home. It was a long, perfect day. As we pulled out of the driveway for church the next morning, Zac asked, "Mom, how many days until the next 4th of July?" My feelings exactly!