4th of July!!!

One of my favorite holidays is July 4th.  I have always loved it.  I love the gathering of friends and family, eating watermelon in the hot summer sun, grilling burgers and hot dogs, going for a swim, watching fireworks and reflecting on how wonderful this country is that we all call home!!!  Last year we had a bit of rain on July 4th but this year the weather was PERFECT!

We started the day off with the Independence Day Parade.  We then came home to let Ryan nap and all of us started getting the food ready to go.  Ryan woke up from his nap just in time to eat lunch.  After some fabulous burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and watermelon we decided to head down to the community pool for a swim.  Ryan and Jeff had a BLAST while I sat with my feet in the water taking pictures.  Ryan played with the water hose (his new favorite thing) when we got back to the house.  After much debate we decided to head out to the fireworks!!!  

I only really thought of the worst-case scenario -- Ryan would be mad, scream because he was tired (his usual bed time is 7:30pm and the fireworks weren't supposed to start til 9:30) and we would leave.  Well Ryan amazed us all and was in an incredible mood.  He was running around like crazy, laughing and saying "hi" or "hi-ya" to all the strangers passing by.  When the fireworks started Ryan was mesmerized.  He LOVED them.  He would point and say oohh.  We even heard him say "woah" and "pretty."  

It was a wonderful July 4th and I look forward to many more wonderful celebrations in the future! :) 

Playing with the new train set..

Jumpin' in the pool..

Ryan LOVES to relax in the lounge chairs..

Attack of the water sprinkler..

Getting ready for fireworks..

Maybe it was the Coke that kept him going (thanks Nana and Papa) LOL

Pretty fireworks!!