FREEDOM RINGS.

Well, if I'm gonna have to rebuild this blog post by post, I might as well start by playing some catch up.

As in the 4th of July. Yes, I am that behind.

For whatever reason, this is the second year that our town has celebrated the 4th on the 3rd, which gets me all kinds of mixed up. It just doesn't feel right having a big ol' BBQ, watching fire works, staying up past our bedtimes, all to wake up on the real 4th of July already tuckered out. Oh well, what can you do?

So we did just that. We invited friends and neighbors over for our annual BBQ bash, and watched the city's fireworks from our back deck. The kids ran around, swam, watched part of a movie, played a whole lot, and just barely kept their eyes peeled open to watch the fireworks. In Nugget's case, the anticipation was a bit of a let down, as she decided she doesn't really like fireworks that much after all. Humph...

Silly Dude.

 Jen and Baby Harper

 Nugget and her bff, Avery. These girls have spent every 4th of July together (except Avery's first, as she's a tad older than Nugs!)

Nugs, Avery and Olivia attempting to watch a movie...it didn't last long.

 Sparklers, with the cautious girl watching from behind.

There was no way I was even going to try to keep Dude awake for the fireworks, that would have just been a disaster. Luckily, he slept through all the commotion of our house and the noise of the fireworks.

The next day, which was really the 4th of July, we went to a local parade with our friends, the Olsen's. It was steaming hot out, so that was the only celebratory activity we participated in that day.

 One hot, naked Dudey babe.

 Mama and the babies.

Dudey's favorites were the tractors.



And Nugs admired the local royalty.

Thank goodness it was a short parade, and they got just enough candy and treats to carry them through the hour of sitting in the heat.

Another year, another 4th, err 3rd, whatever. Let freedom ring!