July 4

We have attended our community 4th of July Celebration every year since we moved to Snoqualmie – so that’s eight years and counting.  This year definitely felt the most crowded around the bouncy houses – we had to wait about 45 minutes for the biggest one.  But still a great time.

Abigail, Carly and now Jason took off with friends immediately after we arrived and we only rejoined at the end.  Before heading to the car I made everyone get in a family photo in the photo booth. 

The girls had also taken advantage of a photo opp earlier in the day.

I was quite disappointed that they provided generic sodas this year instead of the real deal.  Obviously Drew didn’t mind.

That afternoon we joined several families in the neighborhood for a BBQ at the park across the street.  They’ve done parties in years past.  I think we were invited to some of the first, but we typically have other plans.  This year most of our close friends were out of town so when our neighbor invited us we thought it would be a good idea.  And it was.  However, just a few days before the event the Underbrinks invited us over (good friends of the girls) and we sadly had to turn them down.  The girls however were thrilled for an excuse to skip the neighborhood gig (they would have hated it) and went to the Underbrinks without us.  We ended up meeting up with the Underbrinks and the girls at the firework show that night so it was all good.

Justin and I really struggle socially in situations were we don’t really know people and don’t have much in common with them so we felt pretty awkward at times just hanging out at the park all afternoon.  It was good for us though as I think we’ve developed a bit of a standoff-ish reputation over the years.  Jason, Katie and Drew had a blast running around with all the kids.  Our neighborhood really is prime for their age groups.  These three little boys are all within a year of each other in age and live just houses away.

Several of the neighbors had some fireworks to entertain the kids with.  Boy, were they a hit!

We left just before nine to go down to the Red, White and BOOM firework show at the community park.  It was AMAZING!  Love that we have such a great show so close to home.

It was a fun-filled day.  I’m sure love where we live and the freedoms we enjoy!  Happy Birthday America!