Independence Day

I hope everyone had a fun, safe and relaxing 4th of July. For the most part my family did - as much as you can with twins that are going through the terrible threes and a five year old. We did have fun and the weather couldn't have been better. A little rain in the morning with temps falling into I'm guessing the low 70's. We actually got a little chilly at times while watching the fireworks.
The day was spent with Matt's folks who came down from Omaha and my parents. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the kids with Grandparents as they had not napped (the kids) and were not very cooperative and only half tolerated me taking these few pictures. But the kids enjoyed see the Grandparents giving lots of hugs and kisses to all.
Can you believe how grown up these two have gotten? I am so proud of them ~ even on days when they try all of the few nerves I have left. We recently took Garrett to have his speech checked. He talks up a storm, has a little trouble with pronunciation and does a thing with his tongue that we were concerned about. Turns out his language skills are at the 4 1/2 year old level - WOW. But his does have a very slight tongue issue in how he holds it for certain words. Thankfully the speech therapist said get rid of the binkie (which we did a little over 2 weeks ago) and he should be okay. We'll have him rechecked, if necessary, in the fall. Claire is right up there in the speech and language department.


This year the city of Blue Springs did not have a fireworks show. Opting out due to too much construction going on at the two schools where the fireworks are shot off from and where people watch them from. But our neighbors did not disappoint. They blew off fireworks starting at around 6:30 until a little after midnight.

The kids were outside when the neighbor teenagers started shooting off firecrackers. Which of course sent my kids running for the hills. They are not fans of the loud noises. Garrett and Claire actually went to bed about 6:30 and thankfully slept through it all. Avary actually went out and watch a few go off before deciding that it would be more fun to watch from the comfort of home. I'll have to post some of those pictures at another time and leave with these last two.

Thanks to all of the men and women who serve and protect this country to allow us the freedoms we have today. I come from several generations that have served in the armed forces and am proud of all that they do. But I want to especially thank my brother for his current service to our country. Please be safe, keep your gun close, your boots handy and your head down ~ we miss you!!!