4th of July

I really had to check the calendar to make sure that it really was July 4th. I don't think the temperature even reached 70. Oh well. We couldn't have July 4th without a parade, so despite the rain we headed to the Coralville parade. We were soaked before the parade began, but the kids did a great job. They left a lot of candy on the street because they didn't want to leave their chairs unless it was a piece of candy they really liked. Lauren sat in my lap and then slept in the stroller buried underneath a heavy blanket. She didn't get wet at all! It was a happy way to start the day. I know that the kids really loved it even with the miserable weather.

Waiting for the parade to begin. I don't know how much the umbrella helped, but it made them feel good to have one.

Lauren's cozy cocoon.

After the parade we went to my parent's house to spend the day. Needless to say we spent the day inside, but it was fun because we played games and the kids got to take good naps to get ready for the fireworks. The weather changed a little and became more pleasant by the evening. It actually turned out really nicely for fireworks. We found a parking lot and sat in front of the van which was good because the grass was soaking wet. Another good plus was that we left right away and didn't have to wait for traffic. Lauren fell asleep, of course, which was wonderful. Aubrey and Cameron were a little nervous, they aren't fans of loud noises, but were looking forward to the fireworks anyway. They did end the evening in the van with Ryan but again I was very proud of how well they did. Aubrey did make us laugh before the fireworks started. I don't really know how it started, but the kids were talking about how they light the fireworks. Aubrey said they light them with fire and it takes a lot of work to do it, hence the name "fire-works." What a smart way to think through the word.

The look of apprehension pre-fireworks