stars and stripes forever

happy fourth of july. we had a wonderful time celebrating and even adding a new adventure to the night before the fourth. it was festive to be with friends and family and to be proud to be an American!


out for a new adventure...to meet up with good friends for pizza and fireworks at German Arena. had the best time. thanks to Jess for organizing us all. we are hoping to make it a tradition. after a big pizza dinner we tailgated in the parking lot with side walk chalk, sparklers, snacks and the biggest hit for the kids...climbing around in the back of the Johnston's van. hehehe. kinsley was overtired that day and wouldn't have made it out on another late night so she went to sleep early at home with her mimi.



cutie pies....baby joseph is not so much a baby any more. =)



brave Joe got all of the kids attention with sparklers



beautiful, sweet friends. this picture makes me think they are much older than four.


love that face



the morning of the fourth we braved the heat and honored our tradition of watching the parade downtown. unfortunately after a late night the night before at fireworks and the loud noises and being hidden behind the crowded street...the girls were not really into it. we made the best of it but like tyler pointed out...we can think of another fourth of july tradition for the morning.

its disappointing to say but the parade really doesn't have much for children. mostly full of political campaigns and cars and advertisements. no decorated floats or balloons, no bands, no mascots. (well besides the one dora costume figure that samantha spotted and was the only part she could relate to)

my little firecracker all dressed up



can you see how HOT 





and then after naps we had a fun evening at Aunt Linda's for a bbq and playtime before heading down to the beach for more fireworks. 

she looks so grown up here....



red white and blue cupcakes with aunt nancy



snuggling with pop pop during the beach fireworks. night night America!!