Fourth of July was so much fun this year – not sure the last time we’ve done so much celebrating in ONE day!!!
First up, morning parade through the neighborhood with cousin Avery and Quincy. Growing up, our neighborhood in Dallas would have a similar parade – and I LOVED, LOVED decorating my bike and perusing through the neighborhood.
Tanner did too! He quickly raced ahead (surprise, surprise).
While Chelsea and I stayed behind pushing these two cuties!
This was such a last minute decision – we literally decided to come 15 minutes before the parade started. So considering – the decorations didn’t turn out quite so bad, even if is Brooke’s Fourth of July tutu happens to be the only decoration on her beloved car and Tanner's scooter includes flowers.
But we’re so glad we decided to join them!
Turns out Tanner couldn’t decide if he was Spiderman or a Cowboy. Awesome combination!
Then we headed to my parents for some SWIMMING and BBQ action.
There’s just something simply irresistible about babies and swimsuits!!
And Brooke absolutely loves the water! Especially the baby pool where she can splash, jump, and play ALL.BY.HERSELF!
Whereas in the big pool, she’s not such a fan of having to be held (or sun in her eyes). She’d much prefer to play on the steps or ladder – all by herself. Even if she does take an occasional dunk here or there, it’s worth it. To her. But it terrifies everyone else.
As soon as Tanner saw the slide, he couldn’t wait to go down! This isn’t the same Tanner I know – who’s usually very cautious and has to watch others try or being talked into it before giving it a try.
He walked right up there…and came straight down. He told me, “Now that I’m 5 – I’m not scared anymore!!” And it’s true!
But he still held on the entire way down :)
And swimming was a family affair – my sister and their girls
Katelynn and Scarlett
Chelsea and Quincy
Some preferred the cool comfort of the shade. My Aunt Lynda was able to join in on all the festivities for the weekend too! We’re so close to their family growing up, but now that we live further apart, so it’s a special treat to see her.
Mom, Aunt Lynda, Nana & Papa
Afterwards, we headed back to the parents for BBQ and more outdoor play. Love my parents back yard with the huge cascading trees, trampoline, and swing set. And the kids never want to leave!!!
Brooke was in her “happy” place – as long as you didn’t try to take her out!
Tanner was being his silly self on the trampoline:
And showing his cool moves – the butt bounce!
And Scarlett just hanging out & chatting with the big girls
Dinner BBQ and Fireworks
In the evening, we headed to the country for some of the most amazing food and fireworks.
And yes, we ALL pigged out again – including these wee lil ones!!
Brooke was loving her some fresh homemade ice cream – it was really hard to share :)
And Scarlett was covered in watermelon!!
And Brooke LOVED playing with my camera – she’d hold it up to her eye, squint, and then say “cheese!” And adorable as she was then, she was so distraught when people tried to take it away – in case you can’t tell from the pic!
Seriously – these people go ALL out! They had crafts for the kids, slip n slide, food, drinks, and the kids personal favorite -- each family got their own pack of “kid” fireworks.
Of course the sparklers are always a hit!
…After tanner gets over his initial fear
Lighting the fireworks was just as much fun to these lil boys too. Brendan flew into town just in time! But we definitely missed Keith’s family who were vacationing to Utah. Tanner must have asked 100 times why Mason wasn’t there.
And once it was dark, we witnessed the most amazing firework display. And for the first YEAR ever, Tanner actually enjoyed the fireworks, even if he was covering his ears the entire time. (although a few days later…we were out shopping and he insisted on getting a pair of headphones so the fireworks wouldn’t be so lough. He’s got super sensitive ears, and usually we have to run inside/hide from them.
Brooke was a tired hot mess, but the girl doesn’t miss a party! She enjoyed the fireworks too, once we covered her ears.
And Ms Scarlett didn’t want to miss out on her first firework show either! Especially not with Uncle Brendan holding her.
And the rest of the week was just as crazy fun!! The next day my Uncle Steven and cousin Jonathan came up from Dallas —making the Mierow family complete!
And we spent as much time together as humanly possible – of course doing none other than playing games and eating food.
We played lots of rounds of “Wits & Wagers” – and you never quite know what people will guess. We learned that when you ask Papa to play “Two Truths and Lie” you’re just going to get “Three Truths”. And the funniest moment may have been Brendan playing charades and re-enacting being born – coming out of the womb from Mom – all for trying to get people to guess Milwaukee.
Oh man, let the good times roll!!! Happy Birthday USA!!!
