4th of July!

 We have been in a crazy rain storm since Wednesday, but we took the few opportunities of semi-dry conditions to shoot off fireworks.

We have friends from our time in Ohio visiting us.  And unfortunately, they have been stuck inside most of their 'vacation', but we have enjoyed their company.  So, hopefully, they will come back when the weather is a little more accommodating for a trip to the beach.  

 All of the children enjoyed shooting off smoke bombs, snakes, tanks, and waving sparklers.  Even Molly!

 She quickly learned to get away from the fountains that emit sparks.  She'd get close, but as soon as you said to scoot back, she ran away with wide eyes yelling "HOT!!"

 No one was ever hurt, though.  They just have a healthy fear of fire.

 Two of our three Statues of Liberty.  Speaking of statues, Will is really impressive when we play the statue game.  He wins just about any time.  We fooled him once by asking who wanted ice cream, but he has never fallen for that trick since.

 I don't really have many comments.  The kids were all very cute with their fireworks.

 Eric shot off a couple of night time fireworks during the day (I was horrified!), but we saved the bulk for the evening.

 Luckily, it stopped raining just long enough to do a combined show with the neighbors that night.  I really like our little circle.  Then we brought out glow sticks and strobe flashlights as the older kids played a little soccer in the dark.  I'm not sure if they even know who won.

 And the game was eventually called when the storm started again.  But, it really was a very nice day.  I don't have pictures of the night fireworks, but the fountains were a really amazing.  They've improved a lot since I was a kid.  It was like having a mini firework display with each one.  I might also add, that we had a few that made screeching noises.  I don't care for those.  However, Molly does an amazing impression of that sound.  It is pretty much an exact mimic.

 As we were coming inside, I caught Molly attempting to ride Will's bike.  She is still a little short, but maybe next year we'll have a bike parade like their cousins in Missouri.

And here is our flag cake!  Dom was disappointed I didn't make a USA cake, but this was a lot easier, and I enjoy eating it more.  I swapped out the yellow cake or pound cake with brownies.  Delicious!  It even met Will's approval.  I think he is amazed any time he likes something remotely healthy.  Of course, I am, too. In this case, strawberries covered with Cool Whip and chocolate...still counts!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day!