4th Of July~2017

We had a lot to celebrate this 4th of July.

First of all when July rolls around I do a little happy-mom dance because of matching sibling clothes!  A holiday+matching clothes=happiness for me. All year I keep my eye out for a few cute red, white and blue pieces for the kiddos. If you see us out and about for the next few weeks, there is a good chance we will be matching.  

This week the kids and I celebrated our brave men and women here in Effingham who keep us safe. We got the chance to visit the Fire Department this week and they were so nice there. They talked about fire alarms and making fire escape plans. Emery and I discussed running outside to the mailbox if she heard fire alarms, Auggie kept asking where the fire trucks were. He was happy to see the fire trucks eventually but then things went south. The Fireman put on all his gear and poor Aug lost it. Big tears. "Don't YIKE that!" The Firefighter tried to explain that it was still him in there and that he was there to help....Auggie thought otherwise. How can Aug be so wild yet such a scardy-cat at the same time?

I am also celebrating the small victory of not burning the house down after visiting the Fire Station. Note to self: Do NOT put marshmallows into broil and walk away. I wanted to try a new recipe for S'more Brownies--thought they sounded 4th of Julyish. Recipe said to broil for 3 to 5 minutes. HA. After two minutes I went to check on them and could only see HUGE flames. I yelled at Em to keep Auggie in the other room (I didn't need a fire and Auggie) and tried to remember what to do. Do I throw water on them? Beat them with a towel? Stop, drop and roll? I decided to beat them with a towel and hope for the best. After I successfully didn't burn the house down, I realized the fire alarm was going off. Emery Kayt slowly walked into the kitchen and with a confused look on her face said to me, "Soooo...am I suppose to run outside now??"

False alarm sister but good job listening!

*For those worried about the brownies: I was able to scrape all the burnt stuff off and start over. They were delicious. 

We celebrated having good friends that have a lake house and a boat. And who know how to celebrate the 4th!

Again, I always prepare for the worst when we take Aug to the lake but so far he has surprised me and done pretty good. He also only stays a few hours (and Nana comes to the rescue. Nana is worth celebrating too!) He enjoyed swimming but his favorite past time was "driving" the boat.

Em's very best Jansen girlfriend partied at the lake too. These girls haven't seen each other in awhile and usually do that awkward staring contest for 15 minutes that all little kids do, but not this time. They were pumped to see each other and were inseparable. 

I love them.

Oh and I love this guy too. Some of my favorite date nights of the past where on the 4th of July. Year six is coming right up--thats something to celebrate! 

Em's night was made because Grandma and Grandpa came to the lake too. I knew I wasn't going to get to cuddle her during fireworks because she would much rather be with Sue or Sam. She loves fireworks and loves her grandparents even more.

Isn't this worth celebrating too? This beautiful sky, in this beautiful country on such a beautiful night.

I know Auggie enjoyed his night at home with Nana. I think they went to Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel and then played outside until they could hear fireworks. Mom said he was too worried about the moon and his toys to pay any attention to the fireworks that were far away. Always celebrating the fact that we live here at home now and have so much help.

If Saturday's party wasn't enough, we celebrated with almost the exact same crowd on Sunday.

And those sweet Jansen girls swam until it was dark.

Em is not a big fan of going under, but seeing Charlee jump off the deck gave her just the push and confidence she needed. Now she is a jumping fool!

We finished off the night with big sparklers and both babies were sound asleep by the time we got home. And even slept in (I was celebrating this for sure!)

We had big plans on the 4th. Parade, cookout and fireworks. The last celebration of this holiday.

Instead we celebrated in the hospital and at home with just a few bumps and bruises. We were in a wreck on the way to the parade but we are fine. Praise GOD that he was watching over us. 

So today we are celebrating God, good car seats, all of our loved ones who were quick to help and the fact that we are just a little sore.