June 08 - Lyle and Sherry Visit - 4th of July

Yes. I am aware that the 4th of July is in JULY and not June of 08. But as Lyle and Sherry started their trip in June, I am categorizing it with June pictures. There. Now you know ;)

Anyway, to get on with important matters -

We had a wonderful 4th of July. It is a special holiday to us. Lyle and Sherry met on July 4th. Dan proposed to me on the 4th. And I have always loved fireworks :)

The day started out with fun Geo Trax time with Grandpa.

Hmm.... how many engineers does it take to perfect the track?!? Of course I picked up some sparklers, pop-its, and poppers for the kids.
Kaylin has always been sensitive to overly loud or bright stimuli.
What a patriotic couple we make!

Kaylin wasn't sure she wanted her turn after all....
But finally she was so brave :)

Even Grandpa came out to watch the Chickens "lay eggs" and the turtles "race" (5 inches) and shoot sparks. VERY exciting :)

They all 3 enjoyed the Pop-its
(You know - you throw them down and they pop. I tried to scar... startle my kids and Dan, but I didn't succeed. I'm sure if Trey or Jesse were around they would have gotten me)
While Dan and the kids finished up the fireworks out front, Britt was in charge of the grilling in the back. See. Women can enjoy grilling and a beer, too :)




Iowa roots run deep

Family picture time.

I love how we are all interconnected.

We decided the best option was just keeping the kids up until fireworks at 10:00.
(Normal bedtime is 7:30)
Anyay - to pass the time after supper the kids played in the pool.



A few moments of peace enjoying our new swing
Grandma came out to watch the kids.
No rest for Grandmas.

Here are pics of the 3 kids while they chased after Grandma.



It was actually very sweet. Somehow, (story too long) Grandma became a Dragon and the 3 kids would chase her with their watering cans and she would chase them. I never figured out all the "rules" ... I was too busy relaxing on the swing and enjoying from a distance! :)

Strawberry Shortcake - A family favorite.

Grandma had the great idea of adding blueberries to make it more festive.

Set up and ready for the fun to begin.

The kids are eating special sprinkle cookies they made with Grandma.

No. Grandma isn't old enough to nod off this early. She was looking down to fix her jacket sleeve ;)

See. There she is wide awake.

There is something about glow stick pictures that captures me.

Poor brave, brave Kaylin.

She WANTS to enjoy the fireworks. But has yet to make it through enjoying them. When she was 2 I spent the entire time (after the 1st BOOM) in the van with her and 8 month old Krystin. When she was 3 she was going to be "so brave". She was. Just with ear plugs in her ears and her eyes closed the whole time :)

This year I thought we would make if for sure. I had the ear plugs. But alas - she was too tired and just as they were starting demanded that I take her to the van.

Fortunately, Krystin was wanting to stay out and watch - but wanted on MOM's lap. So Dan took Van duty with Kaylin this year.

This is how I found them when the show was over :)