red white and blue

Happy 4th of July!

We celebrated the 4th last night, on the 3rd.  We were still at hotel grandma and grandad - and really stayed last night because of the fireworks view!  That, and once you see how close the fireworks were to their house, I probably would have driven over last night anyways to ensure the roof hadn't caught fire.

First here we are getting ready for the fireworks.

And this blur on the screen is a running toddler waving the USA flag proudly.

Age appropriate beverages were served.  For the 15 month old, organic whole milk with DHA.  For the 364 month old, something stronger than milk.

Here's how close the fireworks were being set up.  Right across the water from grandma and grandad's house.

There were a lot of high powered looking fireworks being set up!  We were fortunate to have some friends over - we couldn't enjoy this great view with just me and Corey (baby Ethan was going to be asleep before the fun started).  So, the Sharpes and the Sandlins came over.  We had such a great time!!!  Amanda Sharpe took these great pictures of the fireworks.  (she's a pro - link to her picture site)

The fireworks started around 9:30PM, and we think they were started a bit early because there was a HUGE storm that was blowing in.  We actually saw lighting in the sky before fireworks.  The fireworks were so loud!!  I am surprised I can still hear today.  They were literally right above our head - and shrapnel from the fireworks did fall on our head (and all over the yard and driveway). 

Luckily no damage was done (that we could find)!  And, it rained shortly after the show so there was no threat of a roof fire at grandma and grandad's!!

We all had a great time - and the fireworks that Tipton Lakes put on were truly spectacular - we were pleasantly surprised.  And the most surprising fact of ALL?!  Ethan slept throughout the ENTIRE thing.  From 8PM until 7:30AM he did little more than make one little peep, of which didn't happen during the fireworks. Amazing, truly amazing!  Next year he will be big enough to watch the show with us which will be really fun!!

Have a great July 4th celebration!!