Belated 4th weekend

Happy 4th of July!

This is my absolute favorite holiday. Even better than Christmas.

So of course, we had to have decorations:



(Lucy understood, "Go help Miles put up flags" as "Go do it for him just to make him mad.")



We had to have appropriately colored food because I am that good.



(Actually, I didn't even think about the colors of this photo until I saw them dumped onto my desktop. I was taking the photo to document the 7 pounds of pistachios eaten by my 3-year old.)

We had the patriotic toys to keep us busy before the fireworks started:



These whistles were loud.



Really loud.

They may not find their way out of the bucket next 4th.



Luckily, it was a really big field and we sent the little boogers far far away.



We had our traditional picnic food on the field.

Fried chicken, pasta salad, and star cookies.

Calvin was my biggest fan.



Miles loves a picnic.

Obviously, traditional manners are obsolete during these events.



Then the sun started to set and the troops got a little restless.



Maybe even a little grouchy.





Lucy and her little friend decided we were "boring. We're sailing to China for fireworks."

Hope they enjoy Independence Day there.



Finally, I had to pull out the big guns.



Yes, truly, that is a total of 8 children lying perfectly motionless on the ground.



My secret:

I have super powers.



That, and I overlook the occasional cheating.



Once it got really dark, every other human being on the planet pulled out a box of sparklers.

Honestly.

Just ask my kids.

For, I am the meanest mom on earth and would not let them hold one.

This was pure torture for them, so I sent Jake and the disgruntled three on a search for cotton candy.

Spongebob popsicles? Close enough!




The fireworks were awesome. I don't use that word lightly. I love love love fireworks. Even Calvin enjoyed them. It was a fabulous evening.

It helps to have a secret weapon.

Karen.



On the actual 4th, we dragged several of our closest friends to "the Castle" at the beach for a tiny hike and another picnic.

This time potluck. My friends can COOK! I must have gained 6 pounds.

We tried taking a family photo while up there, but apparently Tate is possessed,



and Miles is considering seceding from the family.



Nothing a good bit of tickling can't fix.



There's nothing like tickling a little kid to release some pent up frustration with them.

That, or a waterballoon to the head.



We played a little Red Rover too. I think I need to teach Tate the finer points of the game. He needs to look for the weak links in the line. I think I can spot a good one he missed.



Mostly, we just played around and enjoyed being together.

Oh, and taking someone potty. Can you guess who had to use the facilities (no facilities to be found) a total of 9 times on that hike?

No?



Happy 4th!