4th of July

Fourth of July this year was fairly low key, but we managed to have some good ol' fashioned fun!  Summer had finally arrived and the sun was bright and hot. We took the kids over to the South Hill Aquatic Center to cool off in the fun pool and while Emma had a blast, Owen felt he suffered through most of it.  There was this big bucket at the top of the play equipment, and when it filled with water it tipped over and water crashed down with a loud wave.  Owen DID NOT like it.  He clung to us and whined ever time it happened which was like every 2 minutes or so.  They have a little lazy river we tried to go around, but that loud noise was just too distracting.  Finally I tried to sit with him in the zero depth area, but nope.  He wasn't about to budge.  So we got out and let Emma continue to play while we sat on the chairs and enjoyed some sun(Owen on our laps.)  But after about 15 minutes out of the water something happened.  Owen found some courage and got off my lap and slowly explored by our chairs.  When we were almost ready to go we got Emma out and they were giving away free red white and blue popsicles.  This was the moment Owen decided that it was all okay!  He grabbed that popsicle out of my hand and enjoyed every last bit.  It was all over his face, tummy, hands, and feet! And then it was all giggles and smiles!  We went home to get cleaned up and to let Owen nap and then we headed back out for a concert in the park and a picnic. It was pretty fun!   We enjoyed the music and Owen bobbed and swayed. Emma ran around with kids by us.  Once it was dark it was time for the firework show...and jackets?  It got down right chilly!  That was a totally new experience in July.  Ha!  We enjoyed celebrating America's birthday and the kids had a great time.  The only weird part was that Washington does not allow any kind of firework. NONE.  So there were no street parties or neighborhoods letting off even the smallest Piccolo Peets.  Kinda weird! No firework stands nothing. Only controlled public shows.  Maybe next year we will go somewhere with an even bigger show!