The 4th and the 4th

We had a great 4th this year. It was crazy busy but oh so much fun.

The early morning was spent trying to get Spencer to gain control of his new big bike that doesn't have training wheels. He had only had 2 previous lessons on it that didn't go so hot. There were three times where he and dad came it, dad frustrated beyond words and Spencer crying in despair. Each time he let me know that he had decided he would just rather walk in the bike parade. Each time I or Jacob calmed him down and convinced him to go out and try one more time. About 30 minutes before the bike parade he was able to ride down the street, turn, and stop without falling off. He decided that was enough for him.

At this point we all loaded up and headed over to our friends house for their community bike parade. The kids all follow behind the fire trucks on their bikes which makes for a rather quick moving parade. Jacob ran beside Spencer the whole way who (to mine and Jacob's relief) never crashed. The rest of us quickly fell to the back of the parade.

Jessi decided that she wanted to ride on Spencer's old bike in the parade. She was very proud of the fact that it wasn't Spencer's bike anymore because it was now pink with princess stickers. (that was a fun spray paint project.) So she started pedaling with all of the other children. Within about 10 seconds I realized I was in big trouble as Jessi had no chance at all of keeping up with the other kids and I had my hands full with Kristian and Kamryn in the double stroller. Luckily, some of our friends had family in town and were able to spare an adult to basically pull Jessi along the entire parade route. (Thanks again John!!!) She was very proud that she "rode" her bike through the entire parade.

Kristian and Kamryn rode in style through the entire parade and Kristian especially enjoyed waving his flag along the entire route. At the end of the parade there was hot dog and chips for everyone and the kids got to spend some good times in the fire truck and the police car.

After the parade we headed home to start some dutch oven cooking. Yummy potatoes, ribs, and cobbler. Jacob is such a great outdoor cook. When the dutch oven finished cooking we headed over to the Brady's for their annual 4th of July BBQ. Not even the rain could spoil this great BBQ. Lots of food and fun was had by all and we even managed to get in some fireworks when the rain slowed. All in all, a great Independence Day.

Two days later we celebrated another 4th. Jessica's 4th birthday that is. I opted for something a little quieter this year so we had dinner out as a family and then cake and ice cream with presents at home that evening.

I tried to make her a pink castle cake. To me it looks a little more like a pink temple but Jessi was thrilled with it and that is all that matters. It took 4 blows and I think a little spit to get the candles out. She was very excited about each of her presents. All in all, pretty low key but Jessi still loved every minute of it.

Jessi is such a sweet part of our family. She loves anything that has to do with princesses and loves to dress up in her dresses and jewelry. She is getting smarter by each day and is growing into a beautiful little lady. We love you Jessi!!