The Fourth of July was a weekend event for our family this year. There was a lot going on and despite not getting to bed until very late each night from Friday to Monday, the kids were awesome. It is so exciting to share all of these first holidays with Owen and Gavin continues to party hardy!
On Friday, my mom, brother, and I took the boys to Gavin's favorite spot - Knoebel's. I love the Friday night bargain prices. You can't beat it. Gavin is such a dare devil. We don't even venture to the kiddie section anymore. Gavin's favorite ride is the Phoenix. Usually this is a Daddy and Gavin event, but since Daddy was umpiring a game, Mommy was allowed to go with him. We sat in the very front and if I wasn't with him, he would have flown right out of his seat. I was scared, but Gavin decided that it is more fun if he doesn't hold on, so I was holding on to him for dear life! Can't wait to see what he will want to go on in Disney World!
Saturday was spent with great friends. We all went to Autumn and Nick's house for the steak night we have wanted to do for 2 years! The food was great and the company was even better. Dominick and Penelope's new swing set is awesome and all the kiddos enjoyed themselves. We even topped the night off with smores and fireworks. Unfortunately, Owen and Penelope fell asleep before the show, but Dominick and Gavin enjoyed it!
Sunday was fireworks night in Ashland. We took a walk to get some light up swords for Gavin and his friend Jake, and my Uncle Jim got Owen a light up spinny ball thing that he absolutely loved! There were some personal fireworks set off before the actual show started and Owen finally got to see his first fireworks. He thought these were great! He sat with Aunt Brenda for Ashland's official show and though he loved the bright lights, exhaustion got the best of him and he fell asleep on her lap.
Finally, Monday was July 4th and we started the day with swimming lessons at Knoebel's. Since many kids didn't show up because of the holiday, Gavin got a lot of personal attention. He learned to float on his back today and enjoyed going down the slide a million times and going underwater. As I said before - he has no fear! In the afternoon, we went to my parents' house for our traditional family picnic and though we were missing some cousins (we do miss you guys!!), we still had a great time swimming, eating, and playing with sparklers!
Me and my Boys!!
Hannah posing with Owen and Penelope!
Owen and Gavin enjoying the slide with Aunt Teri.
Owen and Pap Pap watching Gavin with the sparklers.
Gavin enjoying the sparklers that Daddy got for him.