Happy Birthday America!

Birthdays are big in our family...

and when they're celebrated with FIREWORKS, even better!

Hey, if your favorite holiday only came once a year, you'd live it up, too!

Day 1: Backyard BBQ and Water Party!

We had SO much fun we didn't take any pics right away.  But it was complete with Tiki Torches, 2 Pools, S'mores, Banana Splits, water balloon launching, and partying until midnight hit!  If the kids were tired, they sure didn't show it (until the next day...but it was WORTH IT!)

Day 2: Dinner at Grandma's and Fireworks at my favorite Beach

Steve and I have our 4th of July traditions set.  We know what we like and we know where to find it!
Yes, the sunset IS that amazing!  God's OWN fireworks display, if you ask me!

 Waiting for the fireworks!!

 The uncensored reactions:

 Don't think for a minute he was scared!  I just thought the hands over the ears was cute!  My kids LOVE fireworks! 

Well, almost all of them LOVE them...Alana's excited reaction faded shortly after the show began!

Day 3: Playing at the Beach and MORE fireworks!

Reinacting some of their favorite fireworks from the night before:

 Carter

 Addison

 And Alana

At dinnertime we headed to the park near where Steve grew up and met his family and friends.

SUCH a great tradition we love love love with these fireworks set to a live orchestra!

It's so enlivening and patriotic!

We played at the playground, played Go Fish, and LOVED being with the kids' Aunts and Grandparents!  They sure give them GREAT attention!

OK, fine, we added a Day 4 today because I hadn't had time to make our traditional Flag Cake.  I confess -- I like to make my celebrations stretch out as long as I can!!!


Great Parties!
Fun Memories!
And Wonderful Food!