Fourth of July 2014

We decided to host a non stressful evening event for the fourth so folks could come over to see the fireworks and have s'mores. That afternoon we went to the super cute Steilacoom parade and the kids loved picking up all the candy they threw our way.

We had the week of guests as family and friends stayed with us. Poppie and Nonnie had been staying with us. Our friends spent 2 nights with us from Germany. My dad's twin brother and family came and stayed for a night in their trailer the night before this. My cousing in law, Vy, made me the most delicious cupcakes while she was here since I'm having a cupcake baby. All the while we had already arranged to host families for dinners so we had a full house - but then we're pretty much used to that anyway. 

Pella and her little friend from Germany, Pippa had fun playing down at the beach together.

Picking their laps for the fireworks viewing.

The Millers brought tons of fireworks with them when they came over for dinner that night. Jennifer made four desserts! And good thing too, cause there were way more people there to eat them.

 The kids had so much fun lighting off the Roman candles on the end of the dock. Eben especially loved lighting them this year and Mr. Miller even let him light off most of the big ones!

Pella wasn't so sure about the lighting part.

Kivi was so excited to have her far away friend, Reagan, there and they swam until dark.

Berg was Grandpa's special helper making the traditional root beer floats for everyone and helping cousin Emma and Viviana hand them out. (And yes he picked out his amazing all plaid outfit all by himself!)

Rich insisted that we reinstitute the "Sparkler Picture" and so we gathered everyone together and got a picture before anyone caught on fire.

They started the firework show on the barge so early that we didn't even have time to decorate the beach and dock with all of the cool paper sacks that the kids had spent so much time filling with sand and candles! Oh well, we saved them for next year!