Happy Birthday America!

We have been reading some books about the 4th of July and talking about it the past couple weeks. After breakfast we got ready to head out to the parade with friends. Isabella was pretty excited. And the weather was so great for July in Oklahoma.

(Good thing she brought her binoculars to get a better look at everything.)

She did not like the loud noises of the sirens and motorcycles, but liked the horses and "queens" and waving her flag.

She told me: "this is the best parade ever Mama!"
And about that time Benjamin started crying and was over it. :) We took turns standing with him in the shade until it was over.

After lunch Michael and Benjamin napped and Iz and Me went swimming. 

Isabella and I napped when we got home.
Then it was time to start getting dinner ready. We grilled burgers and made guacamole and black bean and corn salsa, and had brownies and ice cream and watermelon for dessert.

Heather, David, and Hayli joined us. We hung out for a while then we headed downtown to pick out a spot to watch the fireworks.

Isabella waiting for the fireworks in all her patriotic glory. ;)

It was a fun day with lots of my favorite things: family, friends, swimming, good food, and great weather. In light of many recent events, I was so grateful to tuck my little ones into bed that night. We are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.