The Fourth of July

We had a great time last night at our city's Fourth of July celebration. We took our chairs, a picnic, a big blanket, and two cute kids to join the rest of the residents of our town for some fun. It was really crowded, so I was glad we got there early to get a spot near (but not directly beside) the band. I knew the kids would love the music. They started dancing immediately. The band played all songs that we knew. We walked down to let them see the men playing guitar, but we didn't stay long because it was LOUD! They had a man there making balloon animals, and the line for that was a MILE long. I was glad my two weren't old enough to get it and want to participate in that line!! Mainly, we just danced and Sydney Frances ate about 20 Wheat Thins. She loved those, and I don't guess she has had them before. Rush had a fit of giggles on the blanket while flipping around and trying to make himself fall on purpose. That led to some interesting pictures! We ended up trekking back to the car to watch the fireworks closer to our car so we could get the kids home a little faster after it was over. You could tell they were starting to lose steam around 8:30 or so. The fireworks didn't start until 9:00, so it was a late night for them. They were up until 10:00 or maybe even a little after which is incredibly late for them. They have never been up at that time since they have been sleeping all night. They were both great, though, depsite the late hour. Phil and I had to compose ourselves from hysterical laughter when the fireworks first started. We were in a church parking lot in a grassy area off to the side, so the twins were running around and playing. When the first fireworks started, they came charging to the blanket with a full look of panic on their faces. Sydney Frances was not a fan of the fireworks. She watched them glued to either my side or Phil's lap, but when we asked her if she thought the fireworks were pretty, she cried and said "Uh no." Rush loved them! Although, he did stay in my lap or Phil's lap the whole time. He did say "put-tee" (pretty) several times. It was a great night! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

I have figured out how to get both kids to stare at the camera when having their pictures taken. We will invite a random stranger to all photo sessions and family gatherings from this point on. Random,kind stranger took a few photos of our family together so we could all four be in the picture. Both kids stared at him the whole time! :-)
This sandwich played a big role in the night for Rush. See below.



This is Rush's sandwich from the picnic. He kept walking around with it after everyone else was finished eating, but I guess he got tired of holding it after a while. He kept tucking it in random little places. He tried Phil's cup holder on the chair. I finally found the remnants squeezed into the side pocket of my cute little monogrammed market tote. Boys...


In college, we had several cats, and sometimes they would just go crazy and run uncontrollably around the house. Rush behaved similarly last night on the blanket. He ate a bite of my brownie, so maybe it was the extra sugar?? Anyway, that little burst of energy led to the next few pictures. I think his giggles were contagious to all of us.







Watching fireworks