4th of July

We had a great holiday up at the beach house. When Tommy and I first went to the beach for the 4th of July in 2009, we agreed that we didn't want to set any precedents that we'd spend every 4th up there. Well, five years later, we've spent every Independence Day up there (with the exception of one when we were in Tahoe, but Taylor has spent every 4th of July at the beach). We really enjoy going up there for the festivities - the Bligh's house sits on an Indian Reservation with gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands - and fireworks are a big deal (and legal) at the beach. Tom and Elaine are great hosts as well. There is always plenty of food, drinks, games, decorations, and fun to be had!

My sweet girl

My crazy boy sat still for 1/2 a second for this picture.

Attempt #1 of a sibling pic - Brayden escaped.

Attempt #89 - I love Brayden's face but am sad of the shadow over Matty.

Attempt #101

#146

Is is possible to get a good family picture?

Nope, not yet. Maybe next year.

Lunch with Taylor's friend Lexi.

Snuggles with Lexi and her brother Tyler.

Late night festivities - it was a long day's wait in anticipation of the fireworks!

A little cornhole at dusk.

Pop Pop, Rob Stone, and Rick Hathaway worked very hard to get lanterns up. They had a pretty high success rate this year - five out of six went up! Anyone who has seen the movie "Tangled" will understand why the lanterns are such a big hit with the little girls.

I found Matty here at 10:30 - snuggled up on the deck with Pop Pop. I think that is the latest he's ever stayed up, especially now that he no longer naps (or sleeps well at night). I was able to carry him inside, change him, and even put a diaper on him without waking him up. 

The day after the Fourth, the kids went to the local Farmer's Market and came home with face paint. Brayden and I stayed back so that little B could take a nap. 

Pirate face paint along with a balloon sword. Cutie.

We had a great weekend at the beach and are already looking forward to next year. In the meantime, we are excited to spend the latter half of the summer at home since the first half was so busy.