Our Nation's Birthday

I waited a dozen years for this re-do.
When I was fifteen, I flew to Virigina to visit a close friend for two weeks. This visit included all the DC monuments, museums, and historic sites. It also included a private tour of the Pentagon (her father is a General.) I also happened to be there during the Fourth and originally they planned on going into DC for the fireworks - I was excited. The day our country celebrates our independence in our nation's capitol - perfect! But then last minute they decided it was too much work, so instead we hung out with family friends and had little fireworks on their street. Needless to say, I was supremely disappointed.
So 12 years later...

My parents were coming to visit Blythe and would be there for the Fourth, so I decided to take half the week off and go up for the Fourth.

I drove up Tuesday night, then Wednesday morning we all piled in my brother's car and picked up my parents from the airport. We had brunch at a place called Silver Diner, it was super cute. They had all these old jukebokes scattered throughout and both Dane and Neve picked out a song.
I think I missed my era, I should have lived in the '50s.
We mostly just hung out at my brother's and bought some fireworks to set off on a different day.

Nana & Blythe

Nana and Papa with the girls

I love this photo of my dad and Neve.

He's a pretty good place to rest your head - I know from experience.

Sweet baby girl

Papa is a pretty hot commodity.

Then the little one needed a nap.

So did the big one, haha.

But that didn't stop Neve from sticking to him like glue.

Finally it was time to head into the CAPITOL!

Neve distracted by anything and everything and Dane very focused on the horizon for that train.

Our little party - Nana, Papa, Ben, Dane and Neve and of course me behind the camera.

New mama and baby stayed home to get some rest.

This is one of the many times Neve was being told to sit still, haha, poor thing, she has so much natural energy.

Hey y'all!

Notice my red, white, and blue. What can I say, I love my country!

I also love hanging with my dad.

Our view of the Washington Monument

Chatting while we waited, it was warm and I wanted a lemonade and surprisingly enough, no vendors, nada.

THE FIREWORKS!!!

 The fireworks were gorgeous especially with the monuments framing them.  The kids got a bit freaked out because the noise was echoing off all those monuments and extremely loud. So we left pretty quickly after they started and I took pictures as we headed to the train. The show was only about 15 minutes long. While it hadn't been that packed on the lawn, the train was another story. It had been warm but with all the people crammed in like sardines, it felt like a sauna in there. Despite the oppressive heat, people were very considerate - strangers fanning strangers and giving up seats for others. It was a great day!
Happy Birthday America!

ACTUAL Birthday...(Part III)

Saturday night, the boys after their story went right to sleep, the girls... hardly slept. They got separated around 9pm by Aunt Becca (so Aunt E didn't have to the bad guy) and they woke up the Nana around 2am and were still up when Papa left at 5am. They fell asleep sometime after that and woke up around 7:30am. I calculate, at most, they got 4 hours. Crazy girls! 

The boys were up around 6:30am and ready to play!

 After a pancake breakfast, I got out a puzzle that the girls worked on while we waited for parents to come pick up. I was barely moving. I was so sore from all the games/exercise the night before.

 I was also barely awake, obviously.

 Dad had come home from meetings by the time the kids left and was on the other couch catching up too.

 This girl on the other hand was WIDE awake!

 and wanting me to wake up and play.

 I eventually got up, sort of and took it easy until it was time to get ready for church. After church we ran a couple errands, saw my siblings and then came home for dinner. I love this pic Mal took, the lighting is so cozy and I love my birthday banner.

 I also love this pic of the birthday girl. 27 years old and still SEXY!

 Mom making dinner and chatting it up with us. I seriously love hanging out with my mom.

 After dinner, Mal and I had to get on the road back to Phoenix. It was a great weekend, a great birthday, and great drive back. Thanks to everyone who was a part of the greatness!

PS, Heres what my knee looked like the next day. This picture doesn't not do it justice, it was GROSS looking! Stupid concrete but I still love you Red Rover.

Birthday...Part II

DINNER! I kept it simple, pizza (Little Caesar's for the kids, Papa Johns for the adults) and veggies.

Sweet party girls.

Photographer took a moment to grab a bite and I got her.

 Cute face, Mal.

 These guys are trouble, especially when together.

 Nathaniel Jr. getting a talkin-to, I love that little face.

 Birthday girl! I love me some Papa Johns.

 Here's another trouble maker. "Who me?" Yes, you Isaac.

 Entertaining the adults.

 Such cute troublemakers, click on the below pic and look at Nathaniel's face, so funny/cute.

 The youngest party guest, Kelsey, not really loving the party.

 This face is so funny. I love how little babies when they make faces sometimes look like old people.

 Aww, there's a sweet face.

 After dinner, MORE GAMES!
My ALL TIME FAVORITE GAME - RED ROVER!
Huddle up team.

 Waiting to see who gets called.

Send Autumn right over!

 Eliza blocked by daddy.

 Send Aunt Becca right over!

 Send Q right over!

 Yes I know I was playing with children 2 decades younger and half my height but it was my party and I wanted to win. Sorry 'bout the clothesline Lauren!

 Also, sorry for laughing. But I got my payback later when I dove into the concrete patio and lawnmower.

 Tanner playing with Uncle Josh.

 Nathaniel Jr., you let us down.

Good job, Lauren, glad you came back stronger from that clothesline.

 After Red Rover (we had to quit because quite a few got hurt, that's how you know it was a good game), we played Freeze Tag. Little ones under big ones, so cute...

 Big ones under little ones, HILARIOUS!  I wish we had some shots of 8 month pregnant Nancy crawling under little kids, too hilarious to be shown, haha!

 After Freeze Tag, by children request, we played Mother May I. By this time my parents had gotten home from scouting and joined in the fun.

 When it was Matt's turn to be mother, he had a little flock follow him.

 Nana, finishing off a cinch worm move, no not like the dance move.

 Meanwhile, DOG PILE on dad!

 Me finishing off a cartwheel, I'm pretty sure its been years since I've done one of those.

 I asked to skip, they told me I could roll.

Final game of the night - No Bears Out Tonight!
Better when its played in the dark, but it was getting late for the little ones and we had some unusually cool weather for Arizona.

 Of course the kids didn't have sweaters, so most wrapped in blankets as they ran from the "bears".

"No bears out tonight, daddy shot them all last night..."

 "Grrrr..." 

"Run!"

 We ended all the great games with their choice of cupcake, frosting, and sprinkles.
"Mmmm in my tummy."

White cake with white frosting, good choice Tanner.

 Delicious!

My favorite cake is German Chocolate with the coconut frosting, hello TASTY!
After the cupcakes we bedded all the kids down for stories. It was such a great party, that I didn't even mind when Kate told me she liked Papa's stories better. To be honest, so do I.
Thanks for coming everyone, it was a blast!