4th of July

While it's still July I thought it would be a good idea to get around to writing a post about our 4th of July. Better late than never! :o)

This has to be one of my favorite holidays. This year was a little sad since DJ had to work and it was the first year in almost a decade that we have not watched fireworks together. Neither of us were too happy about that but we decided he won't work another Independence Day as long as we can both help it.

We made a special t-shirt for Taylor to wear

Taylor and I spent the morning baking goodies to take to a BBQ later that day. We made a S'mores Ice Cream cake and an apple pie. 

Our friends Ted and Kristin were hosting the BBQ. We forgot her sunglasses :o(

  
She got to swim in the pool with the girls. . . 

We stuck to tradition and painted our nails the same as we have every year since she was born.

 Taylor loved playing with sparklers! I think she went through about 15 of them!!

Since DJ wasn't there on the 4th to celebrate with us we made special plans the next night to go to Colorado National Speedway and watch their firework show. Taylor was so excited!! Grandma and Uncle Preston came too.

After the races we took her down to the pits and walked around all the race cars. Most of the drivers were giving out autographs and Taylor thought that was pretty cool.

I kept telling Taylor she could become a race car driver and we could paint her name on the side of her car one day just like this - 

She said she didn't want to drive the cars but she at least sat in one.

 

July 4th

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!!

We had a great 4th of July weekend jam packed with lots of happenings. . .

The annual 4th of July party hosted by DJ's parents was Saturday. I think we all look forward to this party all year long. It was so nice getting to catch up with everyone and just relax. We had the Washer's tournament and I'm sad to say I am not the reigning champion anymore. I lost my title. But DJ thought we needed to keep it in the family and he now holds the title of Washer's Champion. :o)

I'm still not use to seeing Joel with facial hair . . . But man do we love these guys!

 The little ones had so much fun riding their bikes around all afternoon and playing on the swing set . . .

Emma is one of Taylor's best friends . . .

 Our annual 4th of July Family picture. . .

 When the time came for fireworks it took the younger kids a little bit to get used to the loud noise . . .

 Twins . . .

 Now the fireworks are just pretty . . .

 And the best part of it all . . .

We spent all of Sunday relaxing and hanging out at home. After a busy day like Saturday we needed it.

On Monday all of the cities in our area were doing firework shows so we decided to go to one we have never been to. The celebration before the fireworks was a lot of fun. The city was celebrating their 50th anniversary so we were treated to free cupcakes and ice cream. They also had pony rides, face painting, jumping castles and play grounds for all of the kids. Taylor loved it!

 Every year since Taylor was born we have always painted our toe nails red and blue and taken pictures of our toes in the grass. Usually we are standing on Coors field when we take the picture but we didn't go to the baseball game this year. I hope we always carry out this tradition. . .

 By this time Taylor was so hyped up on sugar that we couldn't get her to sit still, smile or even look at the camera. . .

We had a great 4th of July and we hope everyone else did too!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

I know this is going to be a very busy weekend so I thought I would write about it in advance. This morning I got to work early and had nothing to do so I started showing my patriotism early. . . Friday morning DJ and I are taking a road trip together! We are waking up early, grabbing Starbucks and hitting the road. We're heading up to Wyoming to buy fireworks! Shhhh. . . I know this is illegal but it's always been something I wanted to do but never got the chance. And besides, I have to get all my bad apples out before the baby comes

Friday evening we'll head down to Coors Field to watch the baseball game. This is my favorite thing about the 4th of July. Not only do we get to partake in one of America's favorite past times, but I also get to sit in the stands and check out the hottest baseball player of all time! Matt Holiday! DJ doesn't enjoy this as much as I do! After the game is over we get to go down onto the field and watch possibly the best fireworks displays ever done . . .and we'll be doing all of this from where Matt Holiday stands! :)

Saturday morning I am going to wake up early and make a dessert. I'm making cheesecake designed as an American flag.

This is the dessert I will be taking to DJ's parents' 4th of July party Saturday night. Saturday afternoon we are going to a wedding. We're sneaking out before the reception though. There just aren't enough hours in the day!

Sunday should be all about resting! I hope everyone has a great 4th of July! There will be more pictures to follow in the upcoming blogs!