Fourth of July

We had a pretty low key Fourth of July. Something I think our little family has needed for quite some time.

It seems like we've been battling sickness, sleepless nights, and overall burnout since early May, so to get to sit back and celebrate a holiday mid-week was kind of nice.

We hosted a Hoffmann family barbecue at our house. Jeff's mom made the best food, and the best part-- she made it all and just brought it over. I seriously had no cooking to do. The hardest work I did all day was open my door to let our family in!

As the sun started setting, and our guests left to partake in some of the many firework shows around town, Jeff and I debated whether or not to head out to one as well.

Jeff really didn't feel like the hassle of the crowds [neither did I frankly], but Kade's excitement over every distant firecracker he heard kind of made this mommy's heart soften to the idea.

Just as I was about to say, "Let's jump in the car," our neighbors behind us started a firework show to end all neighborhood firework shows. I think that the families on that street must have pooled a TON of money, because there were some amazing fireworks set off in a dueling fashion from each end the street.

And these weren't your run-of-the-mill shootin'-from-a-box-on-the-street fireworks. They rivaled the professional shows.  I kid you not.  I'm thinking that a small fortune was probably spent in Wyoming recently.

Don't let those eyes fool you.  Kade loved the fireworks. Well, that and the fact that he had Allie to enjoy them with.

Carter on the other hand...not so much. He didn't hate them in the scream-at-them sort of way, he just would panic if he heard or saw one and then be fine if I scooped him up.  He watched them with half interest/half distrust. I think his face says it all.

I love Kade's excitement over the fireworks.  I think this time of year is kind of super special for him since his birthday kicks off a month long celebration of fireworks.

And I added this last picture in here just because I think it is funny. I asked Jeff to snap a picture of me and Carter [Carter and I, but it sounds unnatural].  With the combination of the flash in the dark, and my recent eye infection/sensitivity to light, I struggled to get a shot with my eyes open. So... I forced them.

Pretty sure I'm gritting my teeth through that smile in anticipation of the searing light. Enjoy.