Our 4th

We had a pretty low key 4th of July weekend. Because it was so hot, and because Kenzie is still so little, we decided to spend our time at home. Jason had the 3rd and 4th off from work so we were excited to spend extra time with him.

Friday night we grilled some burgers and spent time outside. Marley got to play with some sparklers, and we lit off a few flowers. It was the first time Marley has been with us to light fireworks. 

 This was her reaction...

She kept saying they were "loud" and I thought, "You have no idea what's coming tomorrow!" Luckily she warmed up to them later. 

The morning of the 4th we thought about maybe going to the parade down the street, but Marley decided to sleep in till almost 11. (I haven't needed an alarm clock for the last 2 years because that child always wakes up no later than 8.) So we missed it, but enjoyed the extra sleep a lot more. 

Here's how Kenzie enjoyed her first 4th of July...

 She wasn't phased by the noise at all, until it was time to sleep. She woke up 4 times in the night, and didn't fall asleep until after midnight. 
 

Jason's family came over for dinner and we celebrated Jason's birthday early by getting take out Olive Garden. (Very American!) Then we shot off our fireworks in front of the house with our neighbor friends. It was a great time, spent with great people!

Marley wasn't too sure about all the noise, but she enjoyed it more as the night went on. 

 She was quite the party animal, and stayed up REALLY late. We sat outside and watched all the fireworks our neighbors were shooting off. Every time one went up in the air, Marley would point to it and shout: "OVER THERE!"

 

Marley was so cute, decked out in all her glow sticks. She enjoyed getting to spend so much time outside, with her family, and eating yummy treats. I can tell this will be one of her favorite holidays, just like her mama. 

I love having a reason to celebrate our country every year. It is truly a blessing to live here, and we are always thankful to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.