Independence Day - Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to one and all!

Even though Saturday was rainy and cool we did see fireworks on Friday night. And... Elliott and Rosemary experienced their first carnival. Elliott loved riding the kids rides, either "all by himself" or with Alina, Steve or Uncle Jason (W) who joined us for our Independence Day excitement. Our friend Sorim and her son Brian also attended the festival, too!

It's hard to say which rides were Elliott's favorites since he rode all of them more than once. The car, the train, the big slide. Interestingly, the carnival did not have an old-fashioned Ferris Wheel, which could have been a fun "family" ride. Elliott would have rode more of the rides but he measured 35" and some of the rides had a firm 36" minimum. Alina and Steve both reminisced about summers left behind from friends due to being too short for rides... ha ha! Anyway, Spending out time at the carnival was a great way to keep the kids happy between 8pm (their regular bedtime) and 9:45 (start time of the fireworks). We were able to walk 2 min to a dark field, sit down and watch the fireworks.

Rosemary spent most of her time alternating between Alina's arms, Steve's back (in the Beco) and the stroller. She was feeling a little bit under the weather -- teething maybe?

While watching the fireworks, Elliott kept talking about how hot the fireworks were, how "big" they were in the sky, how the fire was burning the clouds and how the fire department and the firemen ought to be involved.... somehow.... oh and the police were mentioned at least once. Even though he has seen fireworks before this year is the first firework show that he was REALLY involved and aware! Rosemary watched the fireworks show from Alina's lap. She was quiet but intent, keeping her eyes on the skies the entire time.

On July 4th, Steve took Elliott to our local rib festival to pick up some ribs. Elliott has been asking, begging, hoping to ride a school bus -- his favorite vehicle -- for about a year now. Since the rib fest offers shuttle buses, Steve took Elliott on the shuttle bus... THE SCHOOL BUS! If you know Elliott then you know how much he loves buses. Actually being able to climb up the steps of the bus and sit in the seat behind the driver -- all by himself -- may be one of the most exciting and thrilling experiences in his young life (thus far). Last year, we spent the day at the rib festival and watched the fireworks at night but this year's weather prevented that!

Here's a cute picture of Elliott eating his corn dog. Best part... Rosemary's grumpy face: "hey, were's MY corn dog?!?"