4th of July!

We had such a nice day! It was the first year we decided to stay home, and not drive to see family. That was sad... but Nathan was excited about being in the local parade, and Ryan and I were excited about avoiding the freeways. :)

The kids woke from their naps and we decorated their bike/car for the parade. Then we walked down to the parade route, and we had some time to kill before things got started. It was hot... miserable hot. So the kids sat for a while and ate some snacks and had some water to get fueled up.

Next, their checked out their competition....


Finally, we were off! It was a pretty low-key parade (more people in the parade than watching). But they were so excited. Nathan could not believe people were cheering for him, and twice, he got so flustered that he tipped over and crashed (with onlookers gasping and running in to help). But each time, he got back up, brushed himself off, and continued on.


When we finished, the kids enjoyed a treat...

and Nathan could not stop staring at this guy.


We came home to play outside. Who knew water balloons would be such a huge hit?!






And because Ryan and I are dorks...


Ryan burnt, ehem, I mean barbequed dinner. (Just kidding, hon, it was fantastic!)


And we all ate and hung out until fireworks. The fireworks were awesome - the kids loved it. And as soon as we walked in the door, they both melted down, and it was off to bed.

It was a great day....