4th of July

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

At least if you ask the kids....

It's parade time!

Thankfully, Corey is running unopposed in his reelection for the State Senate seat.  But it won't stop us from being a part of some great community celebrations.  So, we headed out and enjoyed a fun parade as part of Eureka's Quasquicentennial (aka 125th).  Reagan and Harrison love being a part of the parades as part of any campaign and this year was the first year that the twins were able to ride along.  Madison and Kennedy quickly learned the tricks of the trade and before long were tossing out our campaign cups (as previewed on Reagan's head balancing act).  Unfortunately, riding in the back of a pickup while tossing out cups and keeping a watchful eye on our four children left little time for photographs, but take our word for it, it was a really fun day!

We also celebrated the other most wonderful day of the year....the 4th of July!  We arrived home from our DC vacation to South Dakota just in time to celebrate with fireworks and festivities.  The kids all dressed in their red, white and blue....

Reagan enjoyed her second year of getting to light off a few of the daytime firecrackers...

Madison (left) and Kennedy were ready for the show....right up until the moment it started.  Apparently, they do not like loud snaps, crackles and pops!  Thank goodness Grandma was there to keep them safe!

Harrison decided to be brave and start learning how to light a few as well.  You can see that he exercises extreme caution - just barely holding Dad's wrist while they light the four wheeler firework.  And then running for safety (I love the one with the Michael Jordan tongue sticking out!)

 

Once the noise was all done, the twins ventured out and decided to give the snaps a try.  Now, those they liked.  They had fun throwing them to the ground but had a blast once there was a whole package dumped out for them to stomp on like bubble wrap!  The poor kid who came to work on our house the next morning pulled up to the curb and thought he drove over glass as his tires rolled over all the ones the girls missed!

  

Once the festivities of the Fourth ended, the fun continued with a quick visit from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Brooke.  Ryan suffered the momentary snubbing of the twins but quickly won them over with snacks and an offer for a golf cart ride.  

 

 

And, Brooke.....want to know the definition of cool aunt and really good sport?  She agreed to go for a bike ride with Reagan......on the only spare bike Reagan had to offer.  Thanks Brooke!