I love the 4th of July. The kids have so much fun every year, how could I not? This year was hard for me though. We have many very good friends and we were invited to several BBQs. It's awesome, except when you realize you can't possibly go to all of them and you'll have to make some tough decisions. So, I decided that we'd take me out of the picture and let the husband and kids decide where to go. Denver's new job requires him to be up at 4:00 in the morning, so he wanted to go to the earliest BBQ possible that the kids would still enjoy. And so we did. But well before that, we had some pancakes that Chase made. Red, white and blue of course!
While it was still pretty early, I thought I'd get the pictures out of the way so I didn't have to worry about the kids messing up their outfits. I'm glad I did, because I think it would have been pretty awful if I'd tried to make them stop playing just for some pictures.
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| Mia was hiding at first. |
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| Of course, then she was dominating. |
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| Say cheese. |
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| She LOVES Karli. |
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| Once Mia got to hold Karli, I could no longer get her to look at me. |
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| He's a stud. A teenage stud. |
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| Another stud. Only this one is 4. |
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| I'd asked him to do a dance for me. |
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| She was done looking at me before we even got to her solo shoot. |
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| Mischevious. |
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| Karli was enthralled with the grass. |
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| Still loving the grass. I gave up trying to get her to look at me while sitting in the grass. |
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| But even up high she was still looking down. Who knew grass was that cool? |
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| This is my favorite one of her. |
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| So when she finally looks up-goofy girl is what you get. |
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| I got below her for this shot. |
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| "Okay Mom, I'll give you one picture." |
After the photos, we went to get a few little fireworks for the kids to do at home that night. I let each of the kids pick out one firework. Corbin was ecstatic about the pack of helicopters he found. After the fireworks stand we returned home and I put the toddlers down for naps and then ran to The Z's to check on Emilio's neck. Everything looked great and after a nice visit we headed back home to get the cookie salad made for the BBQ. Mia was a big help.
We were trying to hurry to get to the BBQ but we're also planning on camping this weekend so we had a few stops to make on the way. It didn't help that we've never been to The Warren's new house before and got lost, but we did get there. And we had an amazing time. The kids were in heaven and the food was delicious. We were planning on leaving after we ate, but Chase begged and the kids were having so much fun that I didn't have the heart to tear them away so Denver hitched a ride home so he could study and get some sleep before work. I was glad we were able to stay longer, but I did miss Daddy Rabbit. I hate watching fireworks without him. I got over it though, because I had to and because the kids kept me so busy I didn't have time to miss him too much. Karli wasn't sure about the fireworks because of the noise, so I had to hold her the entire time and talk to her after the loud ones otherwise she'd start screaming. Mia started out sitting with Bonnie, but after she fell, she only wanted me. Corbin loved every minute and didn't take his eyes off the sky once they started. He kept telling me how beautiful they were and that the blue and red ones were his favorites. I don't think Chase could have had a better time because he got to light quite a few of them. It was a great show. By the end, however, Mia was begging me to make them stop because they were too loud and she was tired and wanted to go to bed. Karli was asleep in my arms. I'd wanted to take some time and try out the new camera, but with all the children in my lap, it'll have to wait until next year...
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| Mia getting ready for the fireworks in her stylin' new coat. |
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| Corbin was pointing out the fireworks. |
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| I was trying so hard to get a picture of her startled face. She was jumping every few seconds. |
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| Mia showing off the fireworks. |
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| Sparklers. |
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| I had Chase take this picture and then put the camera away for me since there was no more room in my lap. |
Once the show was over we packed up the kids into the truck and they were all asleep before we even reached the main road. Well, except Chase. It was fun. Happy 4th of July!
Of course, once I got her dressed the diva decided she needed a nap. Ahh, to be able to sleep like that again.
I love this last picture with Corbin and Mia staring at each other while Karli sits peacefully wondering what in the world is going on around her. That's how it is 90% of the time that she's awake. We love you Karli-Q.
