Our Five Ring Circus: Happy 4th!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th!

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays!

Every year, since I met Grant in 1999, we have spent this day with Grant's family, at their big picnic.  This year was no exception, but we did change things up a bit!

It's amazing how much things can change from year to year.  This year, the guys did not go crazy setting off a ton of big fireworks-there were just a few.  This year we didn't go see a big fireworks display.  That part I missed, and we'll be including that in our festivities next year! This year, none of my family members stopped by.  This year, somebody who was very special to us, was missed very much.   This year, our wonderful friends came to the picnic.  This year, Dylan went to a friend's house for a sleepover, instead of coming home with us (my baby is growing up so fast!).  This year, the picnic was overrun with new babies and little kids! 

This year?  My heart was full.

Photobucket

How quickly things change over the course of a year!  Last year, this was my life:

Photobucket

This year was my newest baby's first 4th of July!  It was her last first holiday!

Photobucket

Despite missing a few people, and the lack of fireworks, we had a great time!

We started off our day at a pool party with our friends.  We really only left the pool to eat!  Staying submerged was the best way to beat the heat!

Photobucket
Photobucket
 Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

After a quick stop at home to get changed, we headed over to Grant's family picnic.  The friends that we went swimming with came to this picnic, too!  We ate quickly, then walked down to the end of the street to watch the town parade.

Grant's dad is the mayor of the town, and Grant usually drives him in the parade.  This year, due to his dad's health issues, he decided not to be in the parade.  That is, until the last minute.  He got picked up, in the middle of the street, at the start of the parade!

I have to say, it was the hottest 4th of July that I can remember.  It was so hot and humid, that the air felt suffocating! By the end of the parade, the kids weren't even chasing after candy!

Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

After the parade, we returned to the picnic.  The kids played hard, the adults talked and visited with each other, and a few fireworks were set off!

Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
 Photobucket
Photobucket
 Photobucket
 Photobucket
 Photobucket

Eventually, everybody began to leave.  I tried to keep the girls occupied while we cleaned up, but spent more time chasing Lily up the steps!

 Photobucket
Photobucket

There may not have been a big fireworks display, but Lexie sure did put on a show with sparklers!  It was a good end to the holiday!

Photobucket

We sure have come a long way in 13 years!

Photobucket

I feel so blessed to have been able to spend this day with family and dear friends!  What a great country we live in!



11 comments:

  1. Precious pictures, the outfits are all adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like you guys had a fun 4th!! I love all of the red. white and blue outfits :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Lexie's boots! =) It was so hot in Ohio too, ugh! Looks like it was a super fun day! XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  4. It was a great day! Busy, hot and full of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like so much fun! That is just awesome about Grant's Dad in the parade! We saw fireworks but missed any parades. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks like you had a lovely day! The 4th is one of my favs too. And Missy, I know you like taking pics but you have to hand the camera off some time so we can see your pretty face too! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those are SUCH cute pictures! I love all of their outfits! Looks like you had WAY too much fun on the fourth of july. Not that there is anything wrong with that. :) Hope all is well with you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds like a great 4th. I love seeing the comparison photos each year. I compared J's pics on my blog as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your kids 4th outfits are to die for cute! Looks like you had a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the pic from last year. I love this kids outfits, especially Lily's! Where do you get all these adorable clothes?!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Candice, I got Lexie's dress from TJ Maxx, and Lily's romper from Girls Crochet Headbands!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you! Let's chat!!!