The Fourth

Independence Day just isn't as much fun without fireworks! Oh, well. We didn't get them this year because of the horrible drought conditions, but we had fun anyway. Of course, you are required by law to go swimming and eat some kind of barbecued or grilled meat on this day each year, with or without fireworks. So we did.

The boys are learning to swim underwater for short distances:

Ethan, being a fish.

 Nicky's turn.

Zoe didn't want to get in the pool, at first.

 Miss Attitude.

Unimpressed, she sat down with some juice and cookies.

Once she heard the word "popsicle," she changed her mind.

And there you go.

Even Anna participated in the festivities:

Zzzzzzzz...

My dad decided to forgo the traditional brisket and ribs menu, and cooked some beef and chicken for fajitas, which were extremely yummy! The leftovers in my fridge are calling my name as we speak. 

Even the hottest salsa couldn't compete with the temperature outside, however:

Yeah, baby.

Leather seats will take off a layer of skin. Just FYI.

Oh, and don't touch anything metal, whatever you do.

We opted to stay indoors (and alive), so the kids were running around in costumes for a while, entertaining all the adults.

Blackmail photo # 248.

One of the best parts of the day was getting to spend time with my grandparents. It's hard to get over to their house to visit with them as often as we'd like to with all the kids, so we look forward to any time we can see them. They really seemed to enjoy holding Anna.

It was a fun day, and we all had a really good time! Looking forward to the next holiday and spending more time with family!