July 4

Over the years, we have developed some fun Independence Day traditions. The day is even better because we spend it with all kinds of friends and family!

First, we start with a parade. My friends Jill and Lacy and their families joined us, and my mom and my sister Emily and her boys also came.

Lily and Naomi were so glad to be together!

These two are the cutest.

Although these four are pretty cute, too.

Cousins! Except that Jace didn't want to be in this picture, and Ryan wasn't there.

Cutie pies!

Daisy and Lacy's daughter, Elaina, are great friends.  

All of our babies! Jace was even willing to be in this picture. I love Hazel's grumpy face, Vivie's side pony, the fact that Lydia (who is two and a half) is the same size as Lily, and Jace's cheesy grin.

Friends! 

Silly boy. 

Sweet girl.

Girls running through a field.

This wrap is the perfect color for today. And Eli's face is hilarious.

This is our crew!

Waiting for the parade. 

Our happy family!

Parade time = bags ready for candy!

And then it was over. We headed home, heavy laden with candy, beads, flags, and balloons. After naps, we headed to 4th of July, Part 2. 

Our friends Jessica and Travis just got home a few weeks ago with their new baby, Isaiah. Even though they had a newborn, they still hosted their annual 4th of July party. 

Isn't Isaiah the sweetest?

The kids got to eat cake. Yum.

Our traditional stairs photo. I love this.

Let's zoom in on Stella and Caleb, who are holding baby Isaiah:

Don't they look like a married couple? I love it.

Winston couldn't come this year, but it was still fun to have the babies together.

These two (three?) wanted their picture taken, too. I love them.

Jessica graciously allowed me to wrap Isaiah, and it did my heart good. Isn't he sweet? Later, I got to wrap his 2-year-old sister, Margot, too. That wrap certainly got a workout today!

Gradually, it got darker. Travis and Jessica's neighbors had an awesome dance party going on, and we did some dancing on the balcony, too. 

See all the traffic lights in the street? We had the best seat in the house on Travis and Jessica's 2nd story balcony, up on a hill. The fireworks were just two blocks away!

Happy 4th of July!