The 4th of July

Another hot day, another FUN day!

We had a variation on red, white and blue pancakes this morning... we switched it up to be red, white and blue BAGELS!  They were still yummy :-)

After breakfast, it was time to get ready for the parade.  Mommy tried to help us look patriotic, and still find a way for us to stay cool... She found our tattoos and new outfits from Grandma Banana and Papa Pizza, and packed water, sandwiches, water, spray bottles of water, sunglasses, and water for the parade!

At the parade, we waited patiently with the Flahive's for the parade to start.  We ate our lunch, used the (HOT) port-a-potty, found ways to dump water from water bottles, water balloons, and sprtizers on our heads and faces....

...and ways to try to keep everyone else cool, too!

Daddy and Reardon's Grandma found the shade - with the matching chairs - to hide in before the parade :-)

We were all lined up, in our chairs, waiting for the parade to start... and finding ways to cool off!

Once the parade started, it was a candy and Freezy pop free-for-all!  We ate a lot of Freezy's (even if they were a little melted).  Brooke did her best to keep up with her sisters collecting candy, stickers and treats,

Kylie really enjoyed cheerleading camp, and cheerleading, and was thrilled when the East Ridge (our future high school) cheerleaders stopped right in front of us!

At the end of the parade, we managed to get one picture of the Estochen & Flahive twins together :-) 
(I think it's the first one we've ever taken!!  Almost 3 years?!?!?!!?)

After the parade, we came home for a rest... the kids watched some TV and napped, the grown-ups rested...  Kylie was still too excited by her "Vulcan" crew tattoo to sleep, though.

Then, it was on to the Sawyer's for another adventure...  We have been invited in the past, but have not made it.  We won't be missing this adventure in the future!

We started off with a bike parade -- Neela and Brooke were all in, but Kylie decided to stay home and come watch. 

We decorated our bikes (and trikes) with anything and everything the Sawyer's had in their garage... beads, ribbon, flags, streamers, TAPE... you name it! 

Then, it was the big line-up for the parade.  Bill led us all down the street on his bike in his Uncle Sam gear; we only made one loop - but a few other kids managed the traditional 3 loops before wearing out :-)

After the parade, we went swimming in their pool and played water games in the backyard.  Then, we had some supper... and don't forget the "Pots & Pans" parade!  Jen turned on patriotic music, and we marched through the house, around the house, through the yard, and everywhere in between banging pots and pans with spoons!  Apparently, this is a family tradition from Jen's younger years -- and it lives on...!  The Estochen girls will probably ask to have a parade much sooner than Mommy will be ready for.

After two very hot days - mostly outdoors - we sat on the hill and watched fireworks all around us.  No need to drive anywhere, as our friends and neighbors did a magnificent job with many to share :-) 

(And... tired kiddos makes for a LONG walk to the car and ride home!)