4th of July

Despite a dismal 4th of July with typical Seattle weather, we had a great day. I love 4th of July, not for the fireworks but more for our neighborhood party and the do nothing type of day. We have a great neighbor behind us who puts on huge fireworks shows and BBQs each year. Its fantastic to walk out our backdoor, have some good eats, let the kids play and as evening arrives watch some fireworks

We invited our friends Melissa and Molly in the afternoon to join our neighborhood party. Maddy was beyond excited to have Molly over and the screaming started pretty much as soon as Molly walked through the door. Those two can 'whoop' it up, as Michael says. We had them outside in very quickly, and they had endless fun running all over the yard. The were covered in grass on a kind of dreary day and didn't seem to feel the weather at all. To be three and so in the moment! They were two little peas in a pod.

Molly being silly. Love the stylish look with those goggles!

Michael and Maddy started off the day with a trip to the local fire station for a pancake breakfast. I hear the place was more than crowded, but Maddy did get to play around the firetrucks. And isn't that the whole point? Who cares about pancakes...its really about the firetrucks!

Makena is walking more and more each day. She is just thrilled with this new found skill and looks back for cheers from Mom & Dad. Something about watching your little one learning to walk that brings me huge smiles of joy. Its just so cute.

More steps, huge smiles

Maddy playing dress-up in Dad's clothes