Fireworks!

I've recently discovered that if you want your 5 year old to learn the days of the week, announce that you will be setting off fireworks on Saturday. All week long, it was, "What day is today? And the next day? And the next day?" with jumping and cheers each time this recitation led to the end of the week. After the parade we swam, barbecued, and had an all around (much needed) relaxing afternoon. Since Mimi liked Elora's fabulous blueberry pictures so well she took some of her hot dog and juice pouch for your viewing enjoyment. (She opted for her striped pj's and doc martens... a friend commented that she looked like she'd just gotten out of jail... in Candyland.) At dusk the festivities began! Not only did we have the perennial favorites of roman candles, 3 foot sparklers and Seleia's favorite smoke bombs there were fountains and mortars aplenty. The moon was beautiful and gracefully stayed behind just enough cloud to let the fireworks rule the night. In every direction there were fantastic pyrotechnic displays, in addition to our own contribution. (Joel and I were sure that 3 shows in particular couldn't possibly be legal!) We can't wait to do it again next year!

Independance Day Parade

This morning we headed down to our church building at 8:30 and helped throw together 1,000 hot dogs and at least that many otter pops. We then split into teams with coolers on wagons and headed out into the pre-parade crowd giving them away for free. You should have heard Elora, "FREE HOT DOGS! WHO WANTS A FREE HOT DOG? KETCHUP! MUSTARD!", working the crowd, of course, and waving to the onlookers. Amarra actually talked to strangers a few times, offering hot dogs in her very quietest voice. Seleia passed them out like crazy, even though the heat was really getting to her towards the end. We went back and watched the parade on the curb in front of the church building where I helped the girls (well, Amarra) catch the candy that they threw from the floats and Joel helped pass out free ice water to the crowd. (I tell you, people around here don't know what to do if it gets over 90 or under 30.) The girls even got some prizes and made friends with some of the other children... sharing candy with them, no less. Strangers kept telling me how sweet,wonderful and well behaved my girls were. : ) Always love that!

Library Playground

After Library Story Time, we usually head outside to the tiny playground next to the library. Yesterday we had it all to ourselves...a rarity. Everyone must be afraid of a little 95 degree weather.

More pictures from the pool

"Look Nonni!", says Amarra,"Geek Geek!"

Fruit Galore!

The girls had a little too much fun with their strawberry freezer jam. Elora made "a pirate ship and a beach tree". Amarra, not to be outdone, said, "Look! I made sand!" After washing some blueberries from the backyard, Elora was so excited she begged to take some "Pictures for Mimi". She probably took 15, so I'll share 2 or 3 for her.

Free Swim!

Nothing is much more fun for the girls than time in the pool! Its even better when they are joined by their best friends, Gryffin & Cordie! (So what do you think... is Elora about to save the world or take it over? Will Seleia's flotation devices keep her afloat? Will Amarra stop eating berries and get in the pool? Tune in next time....)