4th of July

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

This is Jack's second 4th of July, obviously, but he was just shy of 3 months old for the first one so we treated this one as if it was his first. It's so different now that he's walking and sorta talking.

Every year we have a tradition of going to our friend Matt's house with the Thursday crew. We watch Independence Day with the usual drinking game and eat some really good BBQ. But since the holiday was on Monday we decided to get together on Sunday so everyone had a day with family, and let's be honest a day to recover, before heading back to work. This meant we got to celebrate with family and friends this year and make a big splash out of it all. Literally.

Sunday was a lot of fun. We had the usual crowd plus a few new faces; including a little 6 month old who was just too adorable for words. I forgot how small new babies can be. I barely remember Jack being that little :'( . Well we were all standing around in the kitchen anxiously awaiting the delicious BBQ food when I turn around to see that Jack has snagged a cookie from the platter! Now I did have him perched on the counter with my arm around him but apparently my "eyes in the back of my head" sense failed again. But who could stay mad at that for too long?

We topped off the evening with card games and some more drinks. I'm so glad Jack has solidified his place as an honorary Thursday Crew Member. But I think the jury is still out on whether or not it's better than a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Member? I think Mickey might be winning.

Yesterday we went over to Max's parent's house and met up with the Great Grandparents. Jack and I were the only ones to dress up for the occasion but that's not surprising as I am secretly a toddler myself.

We ate more super delicious BBQ and then took a dip in the pool. No we didn't wait an hour, we're rebels. Dare to be different! But nothing beats an evening swim in Phoenix. The sun is down far enough not to burn, the temp is still in the 90s, and the pool is just right. Since we have been doing swim lessons for a year now he has learned to LOVE the water. He's getting so good and he really listens to what I'm saying. He waits until I tell him to jump in and he even floats if he makes it back to the surface before I grab him.

He isn't always gentle with his jumps though. And one got me pretty good :)

He always makes up for it though with a great smile and some kisses....sorta ;)

After drying off and lounging around the house a little it was time for fireworks. We usually never get to do them so I made sure this year we did a few. Jack isn't big enough / Mom isn't brave enough to have Jack hold his own sparkler but I think he got a kick out of seeing them. I also forgot that they kind burn! My arms are still a little burny and singed lol :)

It was such a fun holiday and a great long weekend. I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!