4th of July

I love the 4th of July.  It's such a throw-back holiday, that holds so much nostalgia...especially when you have a little one.  I remember 4th of July as a kid - it was usually at the lake, with close friends and family, with s'mores, sparklers, and lots of fireworks.  Since Lonnie and I are not big lake people, we knew we'd have to do something a little different for our 4th of July's.  We don't have a tradition just yet, but so far we're doing just fine changing it up every year.  This 4th of July, Lonnie had to work during the day.  So, Jude, my mom, sister and me, spent the day together. 

What could be more American than starting the day with a Happy Meal?

This...spending the day at an Old Fashioned 4th of July picnic.  We saw old cars.

Loving some watermelon.

Unfortunately, those are all the pictures I took at the picnic.  But, Jude played musical instruments, we looked at arts and crafts, watched a unique dog show, and ate lots of great food.  We went home and took a nap, then headed out for part 2 - at the baseball field!

Now the baseball field has a carousel, and this was the first time Lonnie and I had taken him on one (K Pa had taken him a couple times before at the zoo).  Now, I admit this child is completely spoiled.  But, this was a sight to see.  Jude didn't go on the carousel once or twice, but four times, because he loved it so much.  

Here he is with me.

With Daddy.

With K Pa.

And with Mimi.

On our way to our seats.  He gets wearing his sunglasses at nighttime from his Dad.

One of his favorite things -- when you ask Jude where his belly is, this is what he does.

And watching his first fireworks show.

It was a beautiful day and night.  I had such fun with Jude and our family.  It's so wonderful to celebrate holidays with your child.  To see how everything is so new and exciting to them, makes it a little more exciting for you too.