July 4th

The 4th of July is a big deal in our house.  Not only are we celebrating Independence Day, but also it is Jeff's birthday, and the start of a 10 day birthday bonanza (Jeff - 7/4, Amanda - 7/7, Ellie - 7/14).  We had a really fun day yesterday.

 

 

Ellie's birthday present to her Daddy was an extra hour of sleep.  She slept until 8:15, which was awesome for all of us! he morning was pretty lazy -- Ellie played and we relaxed.  Then, we spent part of the afternoon at the pool.  Ellie is really enjoying playing in the water now, and even spent some time in her boat float.  She also likes to watch all of the big kids play. 

 

 

We also played in the front yard (and Jeff made time to cut the grass, too, being the first day all week that it didn't rain at our house).  Ellie loved watching bubbles float by, and even tried to chase after a few of them. 

 



Playing with bubbles!

Daddy found a rolly poly (or pill bug, depending on where you're from) that Ellie was very intrigued by.


 After a delicious dinner of cheeseburgers, potato salad, and tomato, peach and goat cheese salad, we went back out front to play with sparklers.  Ellie had fun watching the sparklers, but I think she had even more fun just running around and playing in the yard (and the truck bed).



Look at Mama's sparklers!

Just like Daddy -- already interested in cars!

 The day ended with dessert.  Jeff asked for a vanilla cake with cream cheese icing.  I decided to add some fresh strawberries to it too.  I had intended on putting blueberries on the top to make it red, white, and blue, but I forgot those!  He had blue candles instead.  Jeff loved the cake, and said it might be his regular birthday cake from now on.  It was a great day and a great way to start our family birthday celebration!