Hopefully everyone enjoyed celebrating America's birthday this year. I know our family had a renewed spark of patriotism this 4th of July. Traveling abroad reminded us that America is the GREATEST country in the world and we are all very proud to be Americans!
Here is one of America's newest citizens:
We were supposed to go on our annual camping trip over the weekend holiday with four other families, but the trip had to be post-poned because one family needed to be with grandparents that had been hospitalized. The camping trip just wouldn't be the same without them so we didn't go. It's just as well considering all the rain that came. Plus, Garrett was performing at the Smithville's Fiddlers' Jamboree all day on the 3rd. The weather was perfect that day. He did great in all his events. His dance team was in the finals, but they didn't win. Bummer. It ended up being a looong day! The festival was fun, but I didn't like being away from Nolan on his birthday. The night before, I told Nolan that when he woke up in the morning, he would be seven, but that I wouldn't be home on his birthday. He said, "I know mom, you'll be out shopping for my present!"
Lexi really enjoyed herself at the festival. She loves being outside, loves music, loves riding in her stroller, and loves lots of one on one time with me. She was in her element and was a real trooper from the time I pulled her out of bed at 6:00 am until when we arrived at back home at 1:00 a.m. My brother, sister in law, and beautiful nieces came to see us in Smithville. Nana was with us too. It was kinda nice all hanging out under a big tree on a blanket, listening to live music, with funnel cakes and fresh squeezed lemonade. They got to hear Garrett's gospel song and see his dance team. Aunt Cori also took photos with her really nice camera so I am looking forward to seeing those!
On Saturday, we threw a last minute birthday party for Nolan. It was a swim party and fortunately we finished swimming and eating just before a big storm rolled in. We did cake, cupcakes, and presents inside. Nolan picked out his own candles this year. He wanted a number 7, but also wanted to blow out seven individual candles. He chose a pack of red and blue little candles and didn't notice that they were trick candles. I didn't say anything either. It was so funny watching him trying to blow out his candles over and over again. Let's just say that it's a good thing he had a personal cake because I don't think anyone would want a piece of it afterall the spit the way he was huffing and puffing out those candles. I think Nolan's favorite part of his party was the water balloon battle, but his new bike was a close 2nd!
Sunday our church had a huge BBQ Ribs cookout and fireworks show. It was dreary most of the day, but thankfully the rain held off during the fireworks. We found a fireworks stand still open after church and the boys had a field day in the driveway with their crazy assortment of firecrackers, spinners, smoke bombs, fountains, trucks, fighter jets, tanks, poppers, sparklers, etc. all purchased at rock bottom clearance prices. Lexi wanted to be right in the middle of the action, but I thought she would be safer watching from the kitchen window. The loud pops didn't scare her a bit.
On Monday night, we had a mini family reunion at our house. My three sisters and most of their kids came over for a cook out. The weather was perfect and I had tons of fun swimming with my nieces. They are all growing up so fast. My nephew (the ONLY other male grandchild besides my boys) and one of my nieces just graduated from high school and leave for college in September. Two nieces are currently in college. Another one graduates high school next year. Two more nieces will be high school in the fall. How could that be possible? The coolest part of the night was after dark when we got to see a bunch of shooting stars. There must have been a meteor shower or something. Our necks hurt from staring up at the sky so long, LOL!
Here is a collection of photos from our long weekend:
Lexi really enjoyed herself at the festival. She loves being outside, loves music, loves riding in her stroller, and loves lots of one on one time with me. She was in her element and was a real trooper from the time I pulled her out of bed at 6:00 am until when we arrived at back home at 1:00 a.m. My brother, sister in law, and beautiful nieces came to see us in Smithville. Nana was with us too. It was kinda nice all hanging out under a big tree on a blanket, listening to live music, with funnel cakes and fresh squeezed lemonade. They got to hear Garrett's gospel song and see his dance team. Aunt Cori also took photos with her really nice camera so I am looking forward to seeing those!
On Saturday, we threw a last minute birthday party for Nolan. It was a swim party and fortunately we finished swimming and eating just before a big storm rolled in. We did cake, cupcakes, and presents inside. Nolan picked out his own candles this year. He wanted a number 7, but also wanted to blow out seven individual candles. He chose a pack of red and blue little candles and didn't notice that they were trick candles. I didn't say anything either. It was so funny watching him trying to blow out his candles over and over again. Let's just say that it's a good thing he had a personal cake because I don't think anyone would want a piece of it after
Sunday our church had a huge BBQ Ribs cookout and fireworks show. It was dreary most of the day, but thankfully the rain held off during the fireworks. We found a fireworks stand still open after church and the boys had a field day in the driveway with their crazy assortment of firecrackers, spinners, smoke bombs, fountains, trucks, fighter jets, tanks, poppers, sparklers, etc. all purchased at rock bottom clearance prices. Lexi wanted to be right in the middle of the action, but I thought she would be safer watching from the kitchen window. The loud pops didn't scare her a bit.
On Monday night, we had a mini family reunion at our house. My three sisters and most of their kids came over for a cook out. The weather was perfect and I had tons of fun swimming with my nieces. They are all growing up so fast. My nephew (the ONLY other male grandchild besides my boys) and one of my nieces just graduated from high school and leave for college in September. Two nieces are currently in college. Another one graduates high school next year. Two more nieces will be high school in the fall. How could that be possible? The coolest part of the night was after dark when we got to see a bunch of shooting stars. There must have been a meteor shower or something. Our necks hurt from staring up at the sky so long, LOL!
Here is a collection of photos from our long weekend:
At Smithville Jamboree
Pool Party
Lots and lots of fireworks!
Water balloons and watermelon
Lexi and Liam during the fireworks show
Family cook out
Lexi surrounded by brothers and cousins. She is sitting in cousin Mason's lap. I need to give a shout out to Mason. She is one of my, oh, I don't know, say around five or six avid blog followers. Hey Mason!!! Tell everyone hello! Hope to you see you and your family again real soon!!!
2 comments:
Wow - look at all those fireworks!! Looks like you all had a great day! Lexi is as adorable as ever!!
Love the pics of Lexi and the boys...and her patriotic clothing is adorable! Kristina got a red/white/blue bikini and a dress as gifts but they're too big right now but oh, next year!!
oh, and your front porch is beautiful!
~Laura
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