Independence Day

On July 4th our old friend from Winston Salem came down to visit us on his way to move out west. 

 The kids sure missed Nate..........especially Emerson.

 He took Emerson on a ride on his motorcycle and Royce wanted one too.........this is as FAR as he got (posing for a picture). He did NOT like the loud noise when the motorcycle turned on and wanted out....not to mention Kellyn beside herself with the sound.

Since we moved Nate got married so it was fun to officially welcome Michelle to the "family". :)

 Kellyn felt it was safer to hang out with Michelle then Nate.....can't imagine why....

We had a fun spread of food that "screamed summer" but the favorite was by far the funnel cakes we made. We have never made them before and only seen them at all the fairs around here. Anyway, they did NOT disappoint.

Later our guests left and so did Brooks to do into work and the kids and I went out front to light some street fireworks after putting the babies to bed.

Sparklers.

They threw those poprock things on the ground too. I think that was my favorite part because we kept trying to throw them by each other's feet so the little rocks would explode by them and give a little zing. And since none of my kids ever wear shoes it made it more fun. :)

For the fireworks it was windy so our matches didn't work. We ended up borrowing a lighter from our neighbors (perks of having neighbors who smoke a lot.....)

 I wanted the boys to have their first experience lighting the fireworks like I did as a kid. Turns out none of them could really figure out the lighter............guess I should be grateful for that!

 It was nice because from our little road we also got to see some of the big fireworks that were being shot off in the downtown show. Such a fun evening w/ me and the kiddos.......