A Friend-Filled Fourth of July

The only thing better than a day off work to celebrate a national holiday is getting to celebrate with dear friends.  And that's what we did this 4th of July.

The Stoddard Family headed our way Tuesday night to get an early start on the middle-of-the-week holiday.  As we awaited their arrival, the boys decided to blow up a few things.

Boy do I love these guys!

As it turned out, some black cats, tanks and poppers pretty much rounded out our firework supply this year.  There were a number of factors:  Technically they're banned in the city (although we live close enough - as in three houses away - to the city limits we weren't particularly worried about that), the heat (oh my lord the heat) we've been experiencing has turned pretty much all vegetation into timber, they're expensive and frankly we're just not that into them.  Fortunately, the kids didn't seem to notice or care.  Within minutes, they were off and running like the lifelong friends (you know, all 3 1/2 years) that they are.

So we spent Tuesday evening catching up, eating apple pie and homemade ice cream (a 4th of July tradition of ours) and trying to keep up with the kids and dogs who were having a marvelous time.

Ashlyn & Jackson...best buddies!

Just love this one.

Picnic anyone?  I think Jack's contribution was the football.  :)

Trying (unsuccessfully) to wind down with a movie.

It was midnight when we all (kids included) made our way to bed.

Wednesday was more of the same.  Unfortunately, the heat pretty much forced us indoors but we did manage to sneak in some pool time mid-morning after the boys brought us doughnuts for breakfast.

Meanwhile, the adults (and dogs - minus Ruby the LabraDiva who was inside in the A/C of course) did our best to stay in the tiny sliver of shade!

Since we needed an indoor project, the kids helped whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies while the Dads slaved over the charcoal grill.  Steaks, baked potatoes and sweet corn were on the menu.

I had grand plans of a festively decorated house and beautiful table scape, but I guess reality dictated otherwise.  In the end, I used mostly things I had on hand.  And you know, it was fine.  I'm all for an over-the-top styled event, but I think I'm (slowly) learning to let some of that go and not sweat the small stuff.

I did make a super simple bunting for the mantle, printed a festive quote and stuck it in a frame and filled an apothecary jar with beans (northern, red and black) to mimic a flag pattern (thanks pinterest!) 

The larger apothecary jar remained empty because I never did find a perfect red/white/blue filler.  And I didn't buy enough beans for my flag design so it didn't fill the jar quite like I would have liked.  But I rolled with it.  And you see...I wasn't kidding about not sweating the small stuff!

Besides, none of that mattered anyway.  What mattered most was spending time with our dear friends and watching our kids have a wonderful time together as they grow up right before our eyes.  Drew said it best.  When it comes to the Stoddard's we're a perfect fit - from parents to pets!

Thanks for coming Dustin, Brandie, Ashlyn, Chance & Tia.  Drew, Jackson, Ruby and I enjoyed it so much.  Can't wait for the next visit - when baby girl #2 can join the fun!

Hope all of you had a Happy 4th of July, too!