Independence Day 2009

OK, so we celebrated Independence Day what, two weeks ago? Yes, I'm just getting around to posting pictures now. I'm going to blame my tardiness on the fact that we've been (or at least felt) unusually busy.

We started out the day as we usually do with the kids and me sleeping while Joe ran up to reserve a good spot for the parade and, as usual, he scored a great spot which was easily able to accommodate family and friends. Prior to leaving for the 11:30 a.m. parade, some of the neighborhood kids occupied themselves by decorating their bikes and riding up and down the sidewalk yelling (which, actually, aside from the American flags, isn't a whole lot different than what they do every other day).



After the parade family (Dad and Diana with Cloence and Blake joining us later) and friends headed back to our house for a cold salad and sandwich spread that included this seriously fantastic pasta salad that I copied from the Pioneer Woman. Try it. It's just fantastic.



Another shot of the food, this time trying to get a side view of my pregnant belly. Before you say, "Oh wow, you look so small!" let me just forewarn you that that comment grates on my nerves like no other. Yes, I'm tall. Yes, I carry my babies up and down more than out. For what it's worth, my belly is measuring larger than the weeks I am pregnant. Bottom line is, I may not look as big as you thought you did at this point (caveat: if you carried multiples, you win), but I can't breathe, walk or go more than sixty minutes without going to the bathroom so, trust you me, I am plenty big for this stage of pregnancy (33 weeks).



After we ate we sat outside chatting for hours while the kids played happily and quietly for just as long (a 4th of July miracle!) until about 7 p.m. when we headed to a local park to watch the fireworks. Dad had brought up sparklers for the kids so they entertained themselves with those for awhile as we waited until 9:30 for the show to start.





We finally got home from the fireworks around 10:45 p.m. Even Madeleine, who never admits fatigue, confessed that she was pretty tired so all three kids went right to bed, as did all two remaining adults and all felt satisfied at the end of the day that it had been another great Independence Day.