Independence Day 2008

OK so I'm a little late with this! What can I say? A week of sickness (five out of the six of us - lucky Michael) kind of put a damper on my blogging.

We started the morning getting bikes decorated for the parade. We attend the parade in my in-laws neighborhood. They really do a great job and all four of the kids had a blast. This year I did not want to tackle the level of decorations I did last year so I told Michael that if there was to be decorating some one besides me would need to do it. He took care of it. He went to the party store bought a roll of red, white and blue streamer and 4 Mylar balloons. And you know what? The kids were just as satisfied with the end results as last year. Though at one point they did ask if they could have hats like last year...I laughed.

Rehm and Charlotte were riding their bikes in the parade. The plan was for Ruby and Eliza Claire to ride in Grandma's wagon. About 30 seconds into the parade both girls were done with the wagon and only wanted to be carried by Mommy - no one else would do. I decided to bail on the parade and take them back to the playground until the big kids were finished.

After the parade everyone enjoyed face painting (though most of our family had arms painted), balloon animals, snow cones, prize walks, and the moon walk.

After lunch Charlotte mentioned she didn't feel good. I felt her forehead and knew immediately she had a fever. That meant that she would not get to go to the fun party at the Manuel's. She was very sad because she knew that they were going to have a water slide and lots of other fun things for the kids to do. I had Michael pick up a special movie for Charlotte and I to watch and we curled up on the couch for Mommy time. Charlotte also had to miss the fireworks. Sometimes like isn't very nice to a four year old on a holiday. But overall she handled all of this remarkably well.

Michael, Rehm, Ruby and Eliza Claire had a lot of fun at the Manuel's. And after getting the twins in bed, Grandma, Michael and Rehm went to the local fireworks display about 5 minutes from our house. Grandpa and I chatted and watched a few minutes of the DC fireworks on TV.

Here is a slide show of the day.


If you can't see the slide show click here to view the pictures.

All in all it was a great Independence Day. And as always I feel very fortunate to live in the USA!
Jenn