Mx4

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Fourth of July extended

The Fourth has always been my dad's favorite holiday. He loves to have people over , serve food that he raised himself and shoot off some fireworks . Life has kept everyone busy but ,when my grandma passed away this January, we all realized that time isn't ours- we don't own it and we can't stop it from passing. But we can make the best of it. Several people expressed to my dad at her memorial that they missed the get togethers he used to host and them memories they provide. All it took was that and my parents have been planning a " like the yester-years" BBQ for months. Finally the day arrived! About 45 family members came and we all had such a fantastic time. Here are pictures of the day ( in no particular order)

This was my photo-a-day photo for the day. My arms weren't long
enough or Chica's not short enough to get all of her. She's such a beautiful horse.

Toad tamer! " I kissed him on the lips and stuffed him under the porch!"

Sign of a good time

God Bless America

Great Gramps and Aunt Janis with Azariah, the youngest Great Grand daughter

I love the way he looks at her! The horse trough was a bit hit, too!

Mason relaxing with cousin John

Jump! The kids had so much fun on the trampoline. My cousin Carrie said
my parents could charge admission: Food, farm animals, trampoline, fireworks

Kaleb catching a break from the fun

Yep, a big hit! There were at least five kids on the tramp at all times.

Brook and Mack waiting for a ride on Chica. Anaka gave rides or
riding lessons ( to the older crowd) for hours!

These two had SO much fun together! Myles at
no less than three s'mores but I am sure he burned each of them off
with one hour of his funny energy.

Pretty Magdalena

My parents got this tether ball pole for Brooklyn for her birthday!

Do it up, Mark!

Mason could get used to this!

After all the planning, cleaning and cooking, we could have some fun!

Opps! Katie shot the photographer!

Sweet girl

Always a beautiful sunset to usher in the fireworks.

Two at a time, Macky!

Three of Clay's clan watching horse rides.

Uncle Bryan and Aunt Laura were there from the Taylor side

Some of the gang sitting on the porch

The pig

Alyssa carrying Mason. The boy was adored and carried around at will.

Fourth of July

Mack told Grammy we didn't have an American flag so look what she got for us!

It was Mike's turn to work this Fourth but we had a fun time even still! Here are some pictures of our day/night:

Painting fireworks!

First painting.

This painting stuff is EASY!

The evening came and so did Grams, Brooklyn and Kaleb. We can see the city's fireworks from
our front yard!

Pre-show snacks

Grams MC'd the chalk drawing contest

Brooklyn and her fabulous sunflower!

This foursome was anxious for the show to start

Having a popcorn snack while she waits.

Mark and Carley came for the show and brought some sparklers

Traditons

Cutest little firecracker.

An unexpected tradition has been established with the Reynolds/Torres/Chairez clan. The past three years we've joined them in Keenesburg for the city's fireworks show. We make an evening of it , filled with water play, catching up, food and fireworks! Cass and I were both commenting on how it hardly seems a whole year has passed since last year when we both had newborn babies!

Run!

A thoughtful moment

My kids both love James!

Mackenzie enjoyed the fireworks show but the neighbors were also shooting off some fireworks during the show which Mack wasn't too fond of. She sat with her daddy who helped her through it and she had a good time despite it all.

It's funny how things change- Mack didn't see her first firework show until she was three. She was always in bed and I didn't want to upset the schedule. Now that we have two, I don't want Mack to miss out ( and us miss out on an experience for her) because we have to rush Mason home to bed. Because of this, Mason is a much more portable kid and loves being out and about, even if he misses a nap or gets to be an hour or FOUR later than normal.

Mason was a tiny bit afraid at the start of the show but was easily consoled and then he drifted off to sleep. I am sure next year will be a different story, altogether!

Mason and me before he passed out during the show.

Park or bust!

We've meet a few of Mack's classmates at the park for some play date fun over the last week. James and Mack had a blast chasing each other around the park, even if it was well into the 90's by our 10 am play date. Mason had fun putzing around the playground and trying on the slides on mommy's lap.

Whatcha think, Mason?

We also met Kristi and her four boys ( Riley was in Mack's preschool class). She's a member of the PTA and she put a bug in my ear about joining. I had planned on doing so any way but didn't know that the PTA is responsible for organizing , not only the extra activities like daddy/daughter dances,mom/son activities ,fundraisers, movie nights and the likes, but also field trips! The PTA is very understaffed and so Mike and I are excited to pick up where we can. We're looking forward to move play dates with school friends and a few new friends that we met at swim class, too!

Date night

My mom offered to watch the kids so that Mike and I could go to dinner. Busy summer schedules coupled with Mike's always changing work schedule keep us on the go and , before you know it, it's been months since we've been out alone together. We had a quiet dinner at a popular Colorado pizza place and then walked around Boulder. We had to dodge some pretty scary thunderstorms, complete with hail and a few rain drops. A stop for a warm drink , and we were headed home feeling much better after having time to talk and laugh and enjoy time with out having to worry or fuss with our sweet babies. We are excitedly planning a mini getaway for our 11th wedding anniversary that is just two months away!