July 4th

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful 4th of July and that you spent it doing exactly as you wanted to do. We usually host a 4th of July afternoon/evening BBQ for Dakota's side of the family but this year we didn't because...well..because there just wasn't time with Dakota needing to study all day for the bar review class she is taking. Not to mention the stress of hosting probably would have thrown us both right over the edge of whatever sanity is keeping us from jmping. I missed getting together with the family so I was really glad when, after Kaylen and I returned from picking up Kelton (he spent a couple days with his cousin who lives 2 hours away), Dakota said her mom had called and she and her step-dad were going to come over for a BBQ.

Sure- it wouldn't be the usual "foodfest" that a family gathering brings but still - I really like her mom and step-dad and seeing them was a perfect way to make the day seem more special. And, as an added bonus, I wouldn't need to start reading fat burner reviews after eating way, way, way too much good food. :)

Don't be fooled though - there was still plenty of good food. Hamburgers, chips, potato salad, coleslaw and corn on the cob. But more than the food - the conversation was excellent. It's nice to step out of the mommy and "partner to someone studying for the bar" roles and just be me for a few hours.

After dinner Dakota's folks headed home and we set about waiting for darkness to fall so we could enjoy the fireworks which dominate the neighborhood. I read some more of my book while Dakota and the kids watched Monsters,Inc. And then finally - it was dark enough to head back outside......into the heat! Boy was it still hot out there!

We hung out in the front yard and let the kids do party popper "fireworks" and then we watched as the neighborhood exploded around us. I have to say, I do enjoy the huge displays that shoot up high enough to be seen for blocks and blocks. All the excitement of the 4th without a penny of the cost. You just have to love that!

So whatever you did, and however you celebrated, I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.

Looking in the Rear View Mirror - July 4th

Ok - I have finally downloaded photos and I think I just may have 10 minutes to write out the first post. I guess the best place to start would be the Fourth of July.

Dakota mom, step-dad, nephew, wife and their two kids came over in the afternoon for a "hang out at our house" time. It was fun! Dakota's mom brought yummy food, the adults were able to catch up with each other and the kids played happily.

Kaylen and Avery (who are 6 weeks apart in age) played in the pool for a long while even though it was way too cold to actually BE in the pool. Then they moved their party to the sandbox and finally the swing set. They had a blast! Kelton played with them a bit but mostly he stayed around the adults and engaged in conversations running from baby issues to handhelds and PDAs.

After hours and hours of fun, everyone headed to their homes and we settled in to watch the neighborhood fireworks. We are able to see quite a number of personal displays from the comfort of our backyard - and bonus! We never have to spend a single cent. :) Kaylen lasted about 30 minutes and then she was ready for bed. By that time it was 9:15 - a full 2 hours (plus a very busy day) past her bedtime. Kelton finally gave up about 9:30. Both kids were asleep incredibly fast and hardly stirred all night.

It was a good day!

Kaylen and Avery in the pool.

A goofy photo of my sweetie.

Darlene and Jeremy

Grandma and Kelton discussing something of great importance while Grandpa looks on.

Ryan playing football with Kelton.

And now they take on baseball.

The girls playing in the sandbox.Jeremy playing with the trains.
Kelton playing with the trains.
A tired, crabby Kaylen and Mommy waiting for fireworks.
A jazzed up Kelton waiting for fireworks. He was listening to music and dancing around the yard. Silly boy!