Happy Birthday America

I have not been a good little blogger the last few weeks...not that there isn't anything to document....just that I am one tired mama!  We've just been busy with typical summer stuff....tennis lessons, lots of outside time, some pool time, library time...and play time!  Sam celebrated his five month birthday and J finally got to go to the old train store that he has been asking about for about a year!  

We stayed in town for the Fourth this year which finally allowed us to participate in our neighborhood parade.  We decorated our bikes with stars and stripes and went for a ride (or stroll) around the lake with the rest of our neighbors.  The only disappointment for J was that the fire truck that was promised never arrived:(  It was a hot day....but the kids had fun and even little J kept up with the big kids while he pedaled as fast as he could on his trike.  I was ready for another shower when we were finished just having to push Mr. Sam in the stroller and try to keep up:)

We had our first Fourth of July dinner with Omi and Papa on Sunday night and then headed to Yiayia and Pappou's on Monday night....that meant two nights where I didn't have to cook....HOORAY!!  Extra exciting for me as we still have a NON-functioning dishwasher:(.  

I wasn't able to get a good picture of the festive decorations at Yiayia's house...but Sophia was happy to pose in her hat and loved to wish America a Happy Birthday all night!

Sam was pretty pooped after dinner as he didn't sleep a wink the night before.....even after a late night at Omi's :(  So Brett took him home while I got to take the rest of the troops to see the fireworks with Yiayia, Pappou and Thea.  J's highlight was riding in Pappou's convertible and waving his windmill in the air....saying hello to anyone in sight!

Waiting for the fireworks to start...Pappou found the perfect spot!

Watching the action...

I took a few pictures of some of the pretties...

Pappou and his buddies...

LOVE those curlies in J's hair!

And it wouldn't be a holiday without some treats.  Sophia helped me with these cute cupcake toppers!

I always feel like reaching the Fourth means that summer is halfway over.  There is so much left to do on our to do list before the school year begins....so I hope the rest of the summer slooooows down!!!