Fourth of July

We had a fun time on the 4th of July. Before the holiday, I was feeling a little bummed that we weren't on vacation for the 4th - I think it's so fun to celebrate in other places - Utah, San Diego - but this year I was having a hard time getting into the celebrations at home. It ended up being a really fun day.

We started out going to the Pleasant Hill Parade with my parents, Auntie & Brad & of course, baby Cody. The Princess was really into the parade this year - and admittedly, the parade gets better each year. She clapped & cheered right along with everyone for all the parade participants. She really enjoyed getting the candy thrown to the audience - and a nice teenage girl sitting near us kept giving the Princess her candy. The Buddy liked the parade, but had more fun with the candy & a ball he got during the parade.

The Princess waving to people in the parade.
Whenever we see a car like the one below, she calls it a Chitty-Chitty, Bang-Bang car.

Auntie, Baby Cody & the Princess

The BBQ Dads always close out the parade. This year they were all pirates. They are hilarious!

After the parade, we went back to my parents' house for a quick snack - donuts - YUM! and to let the kids play. We headed home for naps & then took the kids bowling. We only bowled 2 games, but they had fun! Then it was back to my parents' house for our BBQ. We had yummy hot dogs, potato salad (my mom's is the best!), and corn on the cob (which the Princess LOVES). After dinner, we broke in my dad's outdoor fire pit for s'mores. The kids really liked sitting by the fire - makes me want one for our yard! They liked the s'mores, but liked the marshmallows best!

This was our attempt - one of many - to get a family picture. None of them turned out...

Below, hanging out at the fire pit with Grandpa.

We didn't stay up for fireworks, but came home and put tired, sticky kids to bed. It was a fun day. My favorite moment of the day was watching all the Veterans in the parade. There was a group of student veterans from the local community college and there were a handful of veterans that looked younger than me. That brought a tear to my eye to think of what these young kids have sacrificed already. It's pretty incredible.

P.S. If it looks like the Princess has a black eye in all of these pictures - she does! She fell at a friend's house just a couple of days before, so by the 4th, it was completely black & blue! It took over 2 weeks to clear up. She's a rough & tumble Princess!