Happy half-Birthday Emory!

Emory is 3 1/2...can you believe it?!?! Her actual "half birthday" is on 4th of July, so we moved our little celebration in her honor to the 5th. We had some yummy special desert outside and sang her a birthday song, then gave her a little gift.

Emory loves her new doll and has named her "Star". Unfortunately Trinity also really liked "Star" and was none-to-happy she didn't receive one too.

Happy half-birthday Angel! I love you with all my heart!!!!!

4th of July

Independence Day is tied with Christmas for Greg's favorite day of the year . I'm not sure what it is that makes it so incredible for him, frankly I don't think he knows either. He is the biggest fan of the USA I've ever met (that statement sounds kind of funny- but it's true) and the 4th of July is celebrating just that. Growing up he attended the neighborhood parade every single year and participated in it most of them. After the parade there is always a celebration at the local park with sno-cones and beer...guess that might be part of it too. The fireworks at the end of the day is the perfect culmination for him- another one of his favorites.

After getting all dressed up in our most patriotic attire we got the day started.

Emory's finger and toe nails all ready for the festivities.

This year we attended the same parade I have attended every year since I've known him and he has attended every year of his life. The girls LOVE it! We haven't every participated in it, but they have always enjoyed watching all the floats go by and gathering the hoards of candy thrown their direction.

Emory had gotten up so early and was so excited by the time we got to the parade she was worn out.

Trinity, on the other hand was extremely excited and ready to celebrate!

Addison loved waiving her flag with one hand and waiving at people with her other

We ran into one of Greg's best friends from high school who currently lives in Mobile. Addison and Jamie and a great time watching the parade together!

We also hung out with our sweet nephew, oh and his parents were there too:)

Addison got into the candy as it was thrown. I think she probably ate more paper off the candy than she did candy!

After a great time at the parade and devouring our sno-cones, we headed to our annual lunch at Snuffer's...YUMMY!

We enjoyed a quiet afternoon at home before heading to the fireworks. We have found the best way to get a good parking spot for the fireworks is to park the car in our spot early, then walk a few blocks to eat a great family dinner before returning to our choice parking spot and getting all set up for fireworks. This year we started a little earlier than we had planned on, so we had over 2 1/2 hours to kill once returning to our spot and that was TOUGH with three little ones! We let them play in the car for a few minutes before they got stir crazy and jumped out to run around outside. We tried to space out our activities enough to keep them somewhat entertained and it worked well, until the fireworks started 30 minutes later than we were planning on. That was the tough time! We at some yummy homemade ice cream then got out the sparklers and burned them one at a time.

After the sparklers ran out we were getting pretty close to time so we all got in position. Emory is terrified of loud noises (I think she got that from me...sorry Ems!) so I have to sit in the car with her with all the windows and doors closed and cover her ears. Trinity and Addison sat outside with Daddy and really enjoyed the display. Addison pointed to the ones she really liked and said, "WOW!". Unfortunately we haven't been able to get her to repeat "wow" so I have no idea how she sounded, but both Greg and Trinity said it was really cute and sincere.

Trinity was pretty paranoid about the fireworks falling from the sky and setting things on fire. I convinced her that these were professionals so that wouldn't happen. So, PLEASE never mention the accidents and misfires that happen at professional shows around her or she'll never go see fireworks again!

We had a wonderful holiday and made some amazing memories! Thanks Daddy for sharing your traditions with us one last time. We look forward to starting new traditions next summer, in our new home!