Super Spectacular 4th!

This past 4th was one of the best ones we've had in awhile. It was a day jam-packed full of fun, and we heard the girls say more than once that this was the best day ever. Be prepared for a post full of pics!

We started the day off with the annual neighborhood kiddie parade and pancake breakfast. The girls bounced out of bed the second we walked in their bedroom door, giddy excited to begin the day. We'd decorated bikes and scooters the night before, and met up with all the neighborhood cousins at the library.

Things went much smoother on the trail this year, now that Dany has a more suitable bike.

After we ate breakfast, the kids spent time over at the park, and Rory was treated to her own special ride courtesy of Grandpa and Uncle Kevy.

Gotta love the hair. Originally the temperature was forecast to be topping out at 3 digits, but we woke up to overcast skies and significantly lower temps. We'd promised the girls a little water fun, and despite being cooler than planned, we decided to go ahead with it and invite some friends and neighbors to join us.

Maisie taking the plunge

Basking in a brief glimpse of sun

Hanging out in the pool

Maisie and Caitlyn drying off

Rory and "Future Husband" Ethan Kiser. These two really hit it off.

Dangerous water sports

Owen trying to drink out of the hose

Rory getting warmed up with Dad, who hoped to get rid of her purple lips; she spent nearly two full hours in the pool

And cute little Lucy Kiser, who is rarely without a huge smile on her face

Once the pool party broke up we had lunch and naps for everyone, in order to ensure all would be ready for the evenings festivities. We packed up a big jug of lemonade and our homemade ice-cream maker to take to Brad & Sara's for an old fashioned barbecue.

Then the kids entertained us with a very enthusiastic rendition of the Macarena.

Be sure you check out Dany and her sweet hip action. That kid can shake it! Next came sparklers and a few other small fireworks.

And afterward, Rory was very conscientious in helping Grandpa clean up the debris :).

Then the kids were told that was it for the night. Grandpa and Uncle Kevy had made a secret run to Evanston, WY for some, shall we say, "questionably" legal fireworks for when it got dark. The kids had had a very full day already, and were starting to wind down.

So we took the party into the backyard, where my brother set up his outdoor movie screen and we all watched "The Sandlot".

Perfect movie for the occasion. Right at the scene where the fireworks start to go off while they're playing a night game, Grandpa let rip some pretty impressive cakes that made us feel like we had our own personal show. The kids were jumping out of their skin with excitement, and even us adults were pretty impressed.

It was an absolutely perfect day, so full of fun, and the spirit of America. Happy Birthday, USA.