4th of July

The week leading into 4th of July weekend I took the kids up to Mom and Dave's again. Eric had a few days off and was also planning on spending some time there. Benny had to stay home and work so, as always, it was nice to have an extra hand with the kids! And there is always so much to do at Grandma's. Bonnie kept saying 'I want to stay here forever!'

Our days were full of slow mornings on the porch, some puzzling, lots and lots of pool time, and delicious food from mom and Dave who grilled something different every night we were there!

Grandma's impressive garden - Bonnie loved helping water the plants and pick veggies.

She would also go around each morning and do her rounds feeding all the animals. First the fish, Maggie, then the chickens. Uncle Eric said she may even get to feed Duncan in August when we're all together.

Bonnie has become a little fish in the water, so long as she has her floaties on. She has gone under a couple times but is still timid. We are hoping once all the Stratton kids are around setting the example she will get more comfortable!

Riser is also loving the water. 

We got to see a big thunderstorm roll in from the porch.

Uncle Eric was a favorite, as usual.

Bonnie did a rest time outside and asked Grandma to snuggle her.

Another fun visit - can't wait to go back in August! Thanks for having us!

We got back on Sunday, the 3rd, just in time for the big 4th of July party in our neighborhood. They had live music, tons of food, and fireworks that the kids did not make it up for. 

On the 4th we spent pretty much all day at the beach with the rest of the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and always helpful to have other people to entertain/hold my kids. 

Baby corner in the picture below - you can see Riser's mesh bed and another little baby girl right next to him about 1 month younger. Another one of our neighbor's on our street also just had a little boy 2 months after Riser.

Later that afternoon we went over to a neighbor's house and grilled out for dinner. It was much more low-key and we called it an early night. I personally didn't see any fireworks this year but I know our time will come. It was such a fun week and we are loving these long Summer days!