Happy Birthday America!

After swimming in the morning, the boys rested in the afternoon so they would be ready for a BBQ and fireworks.  They were excited to wake up because everyone would be at our house soon, but this is the look of a half awake little guy.  Before rest time, he drew two pictures and wanted to give them to Eden.  He slept with them and was holding them behind his back so Eden would be surprised when she got there.


Karsten made a bunch of fun crafts at school this week - a robot, a hat, a patriotic turtle and Uncle Sam.


 

The robot he made was the perfect centerpiece for our buffet.  I added the 'fireworks' that he made at school and a flag - now he is a patriotic robot!


My mom brought doubled eggs (aka deviled eggs) and Jenn made this cool fruit kabob flag.


But who needs real food when Eden is making pizza?


I'm pretty sure that Liam would do most anything that Eden asks him to do, it's pretty adorable.  The kids got to eat together in the kitchen and the grown ups ate in the dining room.  When we came into the kitchen, this is what we saw.  How stinkin' cute is this!


Then, we loaded up and headed off to watch fireworks.  We left early to make sure we found a good place to park and claim a spot.  Jenn planned ahead and brought duct tape, pipe cleaners and glow sticks.


Everyone needs a 4th of July crown!  The crown is even cooler when you add glow sticks in the straws.


Karsten was pretty amused that Papa put on his crown.


Liam's turn for a crown!


Our little firecrackers!


Liam ran around using his straw/wand as a sword - he waved it around and said 'hiYA'.
 



Karsten had been working up the courage to go talk to the police volunteer who was making sure people didn't cross the barriers.  He was ready to go, then he decided that he didn't want to go alone.  Papa was more than happy to go with him - he told the volunteer woman to have a happy 4th of July, and she shook his hand and thanked him.  What a kind little guy he is.


The obligatory group shot!


Liam was afraid of the big booms from the fireworks, so he stayed close to Grandma so she could protect him .
 

Karsten was hard at work building something with all of his glow bracelets.
 

Ta-DA!  The finished giant necklace!


When the fireworks finally started, Liam wasn't leaving the safety of Grandma's lap.  He commented on the booms a few times, but otherwise sat back and enjoyed the fireworks!