Independence Day...

With the fourth of July falling in the middle of the week this year, we didn't get the opportunity to make it a big holiday gathering.

But it was still nice to have a mid-week break and celebrate we did.

Tuesday night we attended (for the first time since moving to the valley) fireworks in person.  Usually we just stay at home, the boys fall asleep, followed soon thereafter by me and poor Jarrett and Jack watch the fireworks on PBS alone on the couch.  Really we celebrate big time right?

This year, for some strange reason, maybe it was because MaeLyn was in town, we decided to go.  It didn't hurt that the weather was gorgeous, not even 100 and so with Popsicles in hand we watched in awe as the sky above Ahwatukee lit up in various different colors. 

MaeLyn decided to photography I believe every firework launched.  Perhaps she was really into using our camera or she was bored with us and wanted to pass away the time some how.  Turns out, she's not that bad of a photographer and captured the display pretty well.

Following that we returned home for bed.  On the 4th we enjoyed sleeping in until 7 a.m.!  It was glorious.  Not that the boys slept in until then but they actually let us sleep in until then.  And Isabelle waited patiently singing songs and babbling on and on next to us in bed.  What a difference that extra time with our head in the pillow made.  Glorious!

To make it even more enjoyable, it turns out a rain storm hit the valley and when we did finally crawl our lazy bones out of bed, we awoke to the peaceful sounds of rain falling from the sky.  I've learned as a Phoenician, rain is something one grows to love. 

So off to the movies we went, along with thousands of other valley folk.  We took the boys and Isabelle to Brave.  I wondered how Isabelle would do for her first movie but she was a trooper.  She sat and watched the big objects on the screen, she jumped at every surround sound moment and 20 minutes into the movie, she fell asleep for the rest.  Whew... I was worried I might have to cut the movie short, hence driving two cars to the theater, but she was on her best behavior and we all enjoyed the film. 

Jack wasn't very interested in the fireworks.  He made sure to position himself directly under dad's feet to make sure he'd be safe.

As the afternoon progressed the sky began to clear and soon the sun was setting. Moments later the sky began to fill with booms and sprinkles of light.  And after going outside to see where the fireworks were being set off from, we decided to have a little 4th celebration of our own.  Here's a few photos to show the fun that was had.

MaeLyn and Michael were trying to spell their names.

And then dad decided he should try to do it also.

Here's hoping you and your family had a great 4th.  We sure did! 

Until next time,
Angie