I love the Fourth of July. I think it is my favorite holiday, well, probably tied with Christmas. Anyway, this was the first year since living in Florida that we were actually in town for the Fourth, and we were lucky enough to have my sister Shay and her family come down from Mount Dora to celebrate with us. We have also had our oldest nephew (on Bryan's side) Scott staying with us for a couple of weeks, and on Wednesday night his little brother Josh came into town from Las Vegas and spent the weekend with us too -- so we had a full house and lots of fun.
Wednesday night the kids, Scott and I met Shay's family as they were coming into town and we got some gelato at our friend's ice cream shop in downtown Venice. Then we came back and the kids had fun playing. That night Eleanore really wanted Saveyah to sleep with her, but after about an hour of trying we decided that Els is just too little for that still -- she couldn't stop talking, just too excited I guess.
Thursday morning we went to Potter Park in Sarasota to let the kids play and have a picnic (while Bryan was working and Josh and Scott went fishing), but it didn't take us long to remember why that doesn't work very well at this time of year in Florida. We were all melting, so we decided to take the kids to the YMCA splash park next door, which was lots of fun. The kids got to swim and play for about two hours before we got rained out and headed home.
At home the kids had fun eating popsicles, playing on the patio and playing Play Dough. Then we all went out to dinner at Chilis.
Friday we got up and Bryan made us breakfast before we headed to the beach. It was Maya and Ivy's first time at the beach. It is always fun, but a lot of work with very little ones. Eleanore is finally big enough to really enjoy it, but the babies make it hard to enjoy it with her.
Check out all the freaking gear we have to take with us to the beach....ahhh!
After the beach we all got cleaned up and let the kids eat popcorn while they watched a movie in the theater room. That night we were so bummed when Ryan got called off for a job at Daytona Beach and had to leave at about midnight to get there for a race that started at 8 the next morning.
The three babies: Maya, Ivy and Sicily. It was fun to watch Sicily (who is so super cute and happy) and see what we can expect in the next few months.
Saturday we got up and prepared for our Fourth of July party, and in the afternoon we went to a baptism at our church (for two boys ages 11 and 9). Then that night we had a fun celebration with our family, Shay's family (minus Ryan :( ), Rob and Catherine's family, Josh and Scott, Fran and Barry (Scott and Josh's grandparents) and three of our friends from church (the Martinez's, the Ogilvie's and the McKinney's). I think there were about 35 of us total. We had a hot dog roast (actually on the grill, we started a fire in the pit, but it was just too dang hot outside to enjoy roasting hot dogs), played badminton and volleyball, blew bubbles, took the kids on paddle boat rides, played a few Minute to Win It games, did sparklers and fireworks and enjoyed visiting. I think it was a really fun gathering for all.
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Ivy was in total awe by the fireworks. Maya was fine with them, but Ivy was glued. Kind of funny, Eleanore was terrified by them the last two years...although this year she loved it.
Els was (is) much more noise sensitive than these girls, probably because they have her to cure them of any fear of noise.
Els was (is) much more noise sensitive than these girls, probably because they have her to cure them of any fear of noise.
Sunday we went to church and by the time we got back Ryan had made it back from Daytona Beach and had dinner in the oven for us (what a guy!). That afternoon, before the Smith's had to go, we played and went on a walk/bike ride along the intercoastal in the rain.
Thanks for coming Shay and Co. It is always so natural and fun when we get together. Sisters and cousins are the best! We love you guys!
5 comments:
p.s. Ivy's interest in fireworks is just priceless - love her expression!
This looks like SO much fun & I am SO green with envy. I'm dying over that last pic of the walk with Shay... man, do I ever wish I could be in that club. I really miss living by family. You throw quite the party!! Your family pic is really great- it's a good pic of everyone (you look SO pretty) and that's hard to do with a family of 5! Super fun times!!
We had a blast at your house,Em! I needed the sister time & the kids really were craving their time with some cousins & family. Looking at these pix all laid in out in blog format makes it so much more fun. Impressive you got them up here so quickly!!
You are always so fun to hang with & make us feel comfortable in your home. Maybe too comfortable, you now see the sweet side & the naughty in our children....they don't mind showing their true colors in front of you guys anymore! You must feel like a 2nd mom to them.
The babies are growing too fast--I'm so glad we got to spend time with them to see how their personalities are developing-- they are so sweet & fun now!!!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU 4 EVERYTHING!
FUN!! Your a very brave woman! HAHA! I love the girls 4th of july dresses. where'd you get them? so cute. They are all getting SO big. And is it weird that I think el looks like my kid pictures. hmmm. if so I'l stop saying that. :)
Oh my gosh, what a fun holiday. and so much family together. You have quite the spread!!! We thought of you a lot as we drove by idaho falls over the fourth. Wish you were there. I love the family picture in red, white, and blue. I can't believe how old the girls are all looking! Miss you so much.
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