Our 4th

If I had to describe my perfect 4th of July weekend it would have to involve three simple things: lake days, matching outfits and traditions. 

According to this little list, July 4th 2021 was perfection.  Matching outfits and all four smiling at the camera....thats just icing on the cake.Our fun really started Thursday. Chuck texted that he was going to be at the lake and if we were free to come on out. He never has to ask us twice. The kids enjoyed the new beach area and even swam.This one was happy just to watch although he is a little fish. Why are babies so darn cute in red, white and blue?? We did a pizza supper on the boat with Chuck, another couple who had a little boy and six dogs. So five kids, five adults and six dogs...you read that right. It was a fun night that put us in the celebrating mood!So much so that we decided to do Lake Night take 2 on Friday. This time we added Brian and Mara, Ammon and three of hers and Chuck's parents. So seven kids, eight adults and again six dogs. I am not sure we could have fit another person (or dog) this trip. That night during bedtime prayers we thanked God  that we get to enjoy his beautiful sunsets at the lake with friends. Thank you to Chuck, Joe and Patty for always having us too. Saturday was so nice. The kids played outside most of the day and Doug and I worked on cleaning up the garage (between riding toys, water balloons that my children found and cardboard boxes it was needing a little attention). Late afternoon we headed to the lake again for Joe and Patty's big Jansen party. We aren't necessarily the right "Jansens" for this party, but we have been crashing it for awhile now, and it is always fun to see faces we haven't seen in awhile--especially after the last year we have had.The kids swam with buddies, Doug and I visited with friends and we all ate yummy food. Normally we stay out at the lake for the fireworks, but this year we came home to do a few of our own. Doug built a little fire in the drive way, Sue and Sam stopped by and we all "ohhh'ed and awww'ed" the few that we set off. We thought we could see the lake fireworks from the driveway too but really we just listened to them. Everyone was ready for bed that night after three big days of fun.On the actual 4th Nana and Austin and DeeDee came over for lunch outside on the deck. Nothing says 4th of July like burgers, baked beans and the pasta salad I forgot in the fridge.For the afternoon we left the kids with Nana while the couples golfed. Well while Austin and Doug golfed. DeeDee hit a few too; I am just there to drive a golf cart. Douglas if you are reading this, I really need a golf cart. It was fun to sneak away for a little bit--it doesn't happen often!

It is tradition that we sit by Sacred Heart and watch fireworks on the night of the 4th. I think running around with cousins before hand is Emery and Auggie's favorite part. Bennett did not remember fireworks  at all this year (we were at Kelsey and Austin's wedding last year for the 4th), so not only did he love running around with cousins, he also enjoyed the big firework show too. Everything is exciting and fun to him which I love. It was a great 4th.Today we had one thing on the agenda and that was teaching Bennett how to ride without training wheels. Due to his love of the balance bike, this took all of maybe a minute to do. I can officially say that I have a true little bike gang. He will be so happy he can keep up now. We spent the morning at the trec trail and right now I am sitting in silence as Theo naps and my bigs spend the day at Uncle Terry's. No complaints from anyone about this set up. 

Thankful for another safe and fun 4th with some friends, some family and my little crew!