The 4th of July

Trying to teach Chloe to do a back float



McLovin'




Taya leaping for it!





Molly enjoying the water



Maggie might be a model one day

The boys staying cool in the shade



Taya & Chloe enjoying the parade



waiting for candy....



Chloe is a little exhausted after the day's activities



Taya cooking with grandpa

Chloe watching the fireworks

I love the 4th of July! I don't know exactly why, but it is my favorite holiday behind Christmas! I was lucky enough to have a nice long weekend off over the 4th. On July 3rd, we went to Spicer with Mike and Tracy. We enjoyed lunch at Melvin's On the Lake and the kids had so much fun swimming at Green Lake. In particular, Taya loved jumping off the platform they had at the beach. I worked really hard with Chloe to try to teach her how to do the back float, but she just can't get the concept that she needs to completely relax. We walked to the DQ to get ice cream and there were little stands set up along the beach so later we enjoyed mini donuts! Then, we went back to Mike and Tracy's, ordered pizza and had a bonfire.

On the 4th, we woke up early to go to the parade in St. Joe. Then we went to Big Lake and the girls enjoyed swimming some more and playing at the playground on the beach. For dinner, we had a wonderful home cooked meal with my dad and sister. Then we watched the fireworks. Man, the mosquitos were bad!!! My dad and Corey finally gave up and sat in the van, but the girls and I stuck it out and watched the fireworks till the end!