Happy Independence Day!

The kids and I started the morning with a swim in the pool while Jon finished recording a song that he wrote back in 2003: Where All the Stories GoThen we went for story time with Curious George at our favorite bookstore. Shazer and Sally were the only ones that wanted to go (well Sophie didn't really have a say in the matter but Shule was positive that his computer game was more interesting). Sally was actually excited to have her picture taken with the big monkey (she's always been petrified of any costumed characters in the past), so we're encouraged that she might be ready for Disneyland soon. Shazer was able to use the gift card that he was awarded for being one of the third graders who'd read the most hours at his school this year. He bought a Pokemon book and a gift for Shule's birthday coming up. Then we gassed up and picked up some chips and headed out to Lorin and Brenda's house for lunch. Here are the cousins having some crazy water slide fun:

Sally, Shule, Nicholas, Shazer, Kirstyn, Sophie (in the back), and Stevie

Shazer catching some serious air.

After lunch we went home and watched some movies. Jon and I watched The Duchess (so tragic and not at all patriotic, although, it did take place during the same era as our Revolutionary War) and the kids watched old Mario brother cartoons in their room. Jon made hamburgers and we had corn on the cob and watermelon and cherries and then went on a search to find a good spot for Tempe Town Lake's firework viewing. We went to the area that worked for us last year (near Priest and Washington) but the parking lot was way packed so we checked out a business center across the street. The parking lot there was mostly barricaded so there were not a lot of cars/people but we easily found a legal spot and the guard on patrol had no problem with us walking beyond the barricade to sit in the parking lot where the best view of the fireworks was to be had.

Old Glory hanging over where we sat.

The kids found the perfect spot on a huge decorative rock.

Sally was totally delighted this year. She kept saying "Momma, I see fireworks! I see fireworks!"

Sophie slept through the heat and excitement.

Shazer looking for a good spot.

It's illegal to use sparklers in AZ (although, rumor has it that that's about to change) so we have to make do with battery operated light toys. This one that Sally has is actually a Stitch light maker that we bought for Shule at Disneyland during the light parade about four years ago. The kids enjoyed the fireworks but there's just no comparison to the awesome fireworks show that Disneyland puts on. We're thinking we'll have to visit when we go to Santa Monica for Thanksgiving in November. I'm excited to see Sally's reaction to "the happiest place on Earth". Fun times!