July 4th 2012

Well, it was hot and humid, as only a July Fourth in Hampton Roads can be.  But, it was fun. :o) (How much do you love this photo of Ellie and Pop??)

(This one's not bad either.  Of course when you're dealing with folks as cute as these two, it's not hard to have a cute photo.)

We met for a picnic at Waller Mill Park, Mom and Dad bringing grilled corn on the cob, BBQ and watermelon, and we provided the potato salad and dessert. 

We went for a paddle on the reservoir and then had lunch.  (I can't stand how old my girlies are looking these days!)

Do you like the girls' shirts?  I saw this over at Jori's blog and knew we had to make some of our own. :o)

After lunch we took a jaunt over to the playground (my girlies love a good playground) for a bit.

Then, it was back to the table for dessert.  I made a lemonade cake and attempted to make it festive.  Alas, my presentation skills leave a lot to be desired.  If you want a gorgeous cake, you'll have to ask either of my sils. :o)  However, whatever my foods may lack in appearance they make up for in taste.  This was one tasty cake.

Isn't this a pretty park?  I'm so glad Pop had that good idea. :o)

After lunch we all went home to nap--nothing is more draining than heat.  After naps we got together for dinner and then headed out to play tourist with all the other touristas at BG.  We took in the Celtic dancing show (Han always called it "thunder dancing") and then headed for the bridge below Nessie to take in the fireworks. 

Folks, it was HOT last night.  When we made it back to the car after the show (which was wonderful and everything fireworks should be), it was 94 degrees at 10:00.  UGH!  Ellie was thoroughly soaked in sweat.  I think you could have wrung us all out.  Blah.  I was really missing fireworks in the 'burg at that point.

We got caught up in traffic leaving CW as we headed home and didn't get in until close to 11:00--with Ellie still awake!  I thought for sure the girls would sleep in this morning.  Ha!  Of course they didn't sleep in.  They NEVER do.  They were both up by 7:00 and we were off to swimming this morning.  Of course, they were both rather wreck-ish and we laid low for the rest of the day.  I confess, it was nice to have a down day. 

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Sparklies:

1.  Lil working on her shirt:

2.  Our picnic site was writhing and wriggling and B discovered the ground was littered with these teeny tiny little toads. 

Isn't he sweet?  He fits right into those two lines at the top of my palm.  There were TONS of them. 

3.  View from our picnic site:

4.  Paddle boating:

Brien was a much better navigator than I.  I'm able to pedal, but notsomuch steer.

I hear Lil got her nautical steering skills from me...

5.  Lots of ducks. 

Correction: lots of female ducks.  Three visited our picnic. 

6.  Our low-key sort of day today. 



Milestones:
Every Fourth I remember Hannah and her love of fireworks.  Some kids cover their ears (Lil, Miles), and some kids don't.  Miss Monkey loved them.  She loved everything about them.  When I was seven months pregnant and went to watch the show, she kicked and flipped the entire time.  The summer before she turned two she threw herself back into my lap so she could lie back and enjoy the show.  What wasn't to love?  They were colorful, glittery and sparkly.  Duh! :o) 

I love to watch my girls' faces as they watch and see the wonder and joy in their expressions.  I missed Miss Han but figured she had a much better view than we did, and could see far more shows than we could.  I think certain things are always going to trigger missing, and fireworks is one of them.