Fourth (of July) Festivities

Can I admit something right here? In all of Cora's 3 Independence Days ('08, '09, and '10), we had never taken her to see fireworks.  When Eliana invited us to celebrate the 4th with her family, we decided to take the plunge. Susy and JW were great hosts.  They fed us burgers and had everything planned out for a fun outing.  We got to the park around 6.  Though it was a bit hot, it wasn't crowded yet.  That meant free reign at the bounce house!!  Cora was unsure at first, but soon enough, she was jumping and bouncing like a little kangaroo.

It was still quite a while until the fireworks started.  So, we filled the evening with dancing.  Sweet Eli likes to dance with her baby.

We ate lots of snacks.

Thanks for sharing your goldfish and blackberries, Eliana!

We took family portraits.

Yes, we are rocking the Old Navy t-shirts!  Can't beat $5.  Cora made my shirt a little more colorful with an Icee pop.  Thanks, darling!

And, finally, we watched the fireworks.

Cora was not impressed by the fireworks.  She dropped like a marine in artillery fire.  I tried to hold her, but she wanted to be flat on the ground!  She did eye the fireworks a little out of the corner of her eye (from the safety of the ground).  But, overall, she would give them a thumbs down.

Miraculously, both girls lasted the entire evening.  Although, by the time we got back to the car, Cora had climbed into her carseat by herself and was begging to "go nigh-nigh!"  Thanks Smith family for a great 4th of July!