Our Fun Filled Fourth

We have had a jammed packed July so far!

The title of this should really be "A Fun filled 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th of July!"
On the 1st, we went to the Fair.
The 2nd was my dad's birthday (Happy Birthday Jimmy!)
On the 3rd, our neighborhood had a block party (LOVE our neighborhood!) and Kevin & I also did a bunch of work in our backyard (put in sod, planted some flowers & had the pool fence guy put in our fence) Our pool is officially done & swim-able. And swim we did!
On the night of the 3rd, I had to do my annual drive down our downtown strip because everyone in our town is crazy about the parade & people set up their chairs the night before.
(I blogged about it last year on this post.)
By the night of the 3rd, our girls were EXHAUSTED! But we had a jam packed 4th of July planned. If you know me, you know that the 4th of July is probably my favorite holiday. It is right up there with Christmas, maybe even tied!

Our 4th started out rough when Kate slept in, but woke up on the WRONG side of the bed. Wow.
After her morning meltdowns, we headed to The Decker's house because they have a Pre-Parade Breakfast at their house every year!

I got the girls outfits on clearance at Gymboree last year!

Since I bought them a year ago, I was happy that I guessed the right sizes for this year!

The breakfast was really fun & the highlight was the balloon animal guy.

I love this picture of our friends, the Holbrooks.

Proof that I was there! I am actually in a picture!
After the breakfast, we walked from their house to the parade.
I love our parade. It is your classic small town parade! It was a sea of Red, White & Blue. Love it!

Happy Birthday America!
Kate watching the parade & cheering on the floats.

Proud to be an American :)

Kate wouldn't put down her mini flag!
Claire watched the parade for about 30 seconds.

I loved how many Veterans & service people were honored in the parade.
This mom's sign made me tear up.
Then the girls were exhausted with all that walking, so we headed back home.

We put the girls down for their much needed nap & got our house ready for our impromptu 4th of July pool party!

I had hints of Red, White & Blue around my house.

What's a party without cupcakes?

I made Red, White & Blue cupcakes for the kids.
Kate loving the new pool!

Kelly & Nicole:

Kevin & Gregg:

Our neighbor, Chase:

The kids enjoying their cupcakes!

Then it was time to head to my parents house for their annual 4th of July Party (aka Jimmy's Sausage Fest) I actually didn't take that many pictures there, I was having too much fun hanging out!
But, I did get one of Kate helping Auntie El make margaritas!

And, I got this cute one of Ellie & Tyler. They hit it off!

The best part about the party is Jimmy's Homemade Ice Cream!
{Recipe HERE}

This year Jimmy made 3 kinds (from left to right: Oreo, Butterfinger & Reeces Peanut Butter Cup.
This ice cream is to die for. So, So, So good! It takes some time, but it is SOOOO worth it!
After we had ice cream, we headed up the street to watch the fireworks.
I tried getting a good fireworks picture, but I didn't bring my tripod, so it didn't work.
This is how my attempt turned out. Can you say FAIL?

Because the 4th was on a Sunday, Kevin had Monday off, so we had a slow morning watching cartoons & eating cinnamon rolls.
Then we had more neighbors & friends over to swim in the afternoon!
So thankful for our new pool fence! Now the girls can play in the backyard!
Claire & Zayden floating together:
Kate & I rafting along!
So far, it has been a great month & we still have a lot more fun planned!
Hope you had a great 4th of July weekend!