Happy 4th!

Holidays always call for a post, right? Joe got today off work so we enjoyed a nice, relaxed Monday with dad at home! We also enjoyed grandpa and grandma Gustavson all weekend - so much fun! Of course the kids had a great time, grandpa is way indulgent with chocolate milk and movies; and though we didn't do anything extraordinary I had a great time because having an extra pair of hands (or two) and an adult conversation feels like a big, long back-rub. Better, actually! We've gotten to the point that we see each other enough - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins alike, that we've stopped taking pictures, and I think that's a GOOD thing! Much better than seeing everyone infrequently. So no pictures of the weekend.

Photos from the 4th, though: The afternoon was roasty-toasty so we busted out the hippy pool! Patrick dove right in and enjoyed the slide. Caroline surprised us all and splashed contentedly until we pulled her out because she was turning blue. Eli, normally into everything under the sun, avoided the pool, to the point of not even wanting his swimsuit on. Still, Joe and I dipped our feet in and it kept the rest of us cool for the afternoon. We'll miss fireworks because of the kids' bedtimes, of course, but it's been fun to explain to Patrick why today is a special day where we live and how many family members have contributed to giving us the freedoms we enjoy today. Considering how much Patrick remembers, I doubt the lesson will be lost on him. He's impressive that way. Finally, we grilled hotdogs for dinner and Caroline enjoyed a pickle. I expected her to make funny faces, but she liked it so much she ate two. She saved the funny faces for squash this morning. Happy Independance Day, and God bless America!