July 4th Weekend 2011

July 2-4th, 2011. We started off our July 4th celebration weekend with the making of an American Flag. Lincoln and I cut out "flag parts" and Lincoln carefully glued them into place. After proudly displaying the flag on the frig, we got ready to head over to Tom, Angela, Shane, and Ryan's house - our friends that live just around the corner in Fox Mill.

After enjoying a laid back dinner on the deck, we headed outside to set off fireworks. All six boys were excited (Tom and Erik included) to light things on fire and see the sparks fly.

The noise took a bit of getting used to for Lincoln. He wasn't afraid, just thought the fireworks were "too loud." Berkeley on the other hand didn't seem to be at all bothered by the sounds, smoke, or sparks, but he did know to keep a comfortable distance. Everytime a firework would start to go off, he would immediately sit down and watch in awe.

Shane was super excited with all the action. Born on March 7, 2011, Shane and Lincoln are just ten days apart, and have become fast friends.

Lincoln racing to safety after checking out the "snakes."

Ryan and Berkeley intently watching the action.

And now for celebration #2 - the official 4th of July. Neighbor and friend Dale Temple (and his parents Laura and Dale) joined us for juice boxes, beer, and a few more fireworks.

Berkeley keeping his comfortable distance from the show.

He became so excited by the fireworks, the pacifers were abandoned.

Lincoln proudly (and quite expertedly) waved his very first even sparkler. Surprisely he wasn't at all timid and thought painting with smoke in the air was really cool. I still remember one of my first sparkler experiences as a little girl. I was wearing a silky pink nightgown and matching robe and was having a grand ole' time until a spark landed on my beloved nightgown and burned a hole. It was very traumatic (and dramatic) - I was not at all hurt, but the injury to my nightgown was the death of me. I don't know exactly how old I was (maybe five), but I truly do still remember that. Hopefully these pictures will help Lincoln remember his first sparkler experience too.