4th of July '06

3/5 of our patriotic family enjoying "Red, White, and Blueberry pancakes" for breakfast. We had some raspberries and strawberries needing to be used up, so with the addition of frozen blueberries I made a fruit compote to top our wheat pancakes. It was a hit and I will have to remember it for next year. (the "white" portion meaning the pancakes, although it was REALLY red, BROWN, and blue) :) For a supper side dish the kids helped me make cherry jello topped with cool whip and fresh blueberries (another patriotic hit) :) Aside from eating red, white, and blue, we pretty much hung out around the house and anxiously awaited going to fireworks.......oh, and Krystin got her first haircut - but you already saw that!


Ethan practicing his scooter. He can actually go for several feet now, but sometimes the form is better than others, and it is never fast. But at least he is interested in some form of riding toy. Ethan just doesn't seem motivated to learn large motor toy skills yet. (I, as a perfect Mother, am trying to not get frustrated by this difference in interests and let him take his time ........errrr….but that IS OK – it just isn’t in line with how I thought things would be this year – you know, family bike/trike rides….)


Kaylin decided she did not need Dad's help. (she actually made it about 2 feet)


Krystin and HER "scooter". See how far away her chair is from the wall? Yah, it STARTED by the wall. But with a determined lunging/lurching/rocking motion she is able to move herself across the floor :)


Patriotic Children. This was as good as it got. Well, almost. I accidentally deleted the ONE where Ethan and Krystin looked cute while looking at the camera. Kaylin was being a "Calvin" the whole time :) However, as they ARE my children, I must say it is still a cute picture :)


Climbing Cube. Ethan and Kaylin have gotten pretty adventurous this summer (for them).


Beautiful sunset on the way to the fireworks display at 9:30. Ethan and Kaylin FINALLY fell asleep between 8 and 8:30 after excitedly discussing the upcoming fireworks, treats, and how Mom and Dad would wake them up. Unfortunately, Krystin also woke up all wide eyed.


Enjoying the pre-fireworks snack (lemonade, brownie, and Triscuits). This and the opening "boom, boom, boom" were the only parts the girls (and thusly Britt) got to enjoy outside. Britt spent the next 1/2 hour trying to hold 2 crying (mostly Kaylin) girls on her lap, wedged in the rear of the minivan craning her neck to TRY and watch the fireworks while singing songs the whole time (Kaylin did not like the sight or sound of fireworks and kept saying "go home now" and "sing 'nother song" . Krystin at least settled down once we were in the van. Dad and Ethan enjoyed the show :)