Fourth of July Weekend

We stuck around home this 4th of July and had Jill and Chuck and the kids camp out in our driveway (with their huge camper) for the holiday. What fun! We grilled out, played outside, went geocaching, visited the dam and celebrated the 4th of July. Then we headed to Madison to continue our 4th of July celebration and go swimming. Lots of fun!




Alyssa, reading to Megan.

Brendan, riding his "big boy bike."

The kids, playing with the slip-n-slide. (Above, Alyssa and Marci.)


Brendan's trip down the slip-n-slide.


I tried to sneak into my garden to do a little weeding while the dads watched the kids and Jill was on an errand. No can do. The dads wanted me to partake in the visiting. Anti-social Noelle!


Charlie's trip down the slip-n-slide. Splash!!


Lighting off a lovely yellow smoke bomb.


Marci and her sparkler.


Brendan and his sparkler.


Megan and her sparkler (being carefully watched over by dad.)


(Aunt) Jill sharing some Snaps with the kids.


Geocaching at Smith Park.


Marci is fearless!


Brendan, on the sand digger.


Megan, heading down the slide.


Brendan on the rings.


Brendan and Charlie, running around the playground.


When we headed to Madison, the kids entertained themselves with some pails of water. It's amazing how that can be fun for so long.


Megan was exhausted, so we put her to bed and then headed outside for some fun. We sat around the campfire, ate s'mores (see Brad, above), and lit fireworks.


The kids put on a dancing show for us. Applause, applause.


A little R&R for Brendan...


...and then back to lighting fireworks. The little charcoal snake things were a hit for the kids (above.)


Yes, Brendan still jumps around when he's extremely excited. I guess fireworks make him extremely excited!

Charlie, stepping on the Snaps.


And the next day, to the pool we go! Brendan loved jumping off the side of the pool into Brad's arms. I kid you not, they probably did this for over a half hour.


Brendan, with Brad and Grandpa.


Megan was not a fan of the pool, and didn't want anyone but me. I had forgotten my swimsuit, but wanted Megan to experience the water, so in I went.


During one of the pool time-outs we sat along the side and visited with Chuck and Korinne, who stopped by.


Alyssa, Brendan and Marci in the kiddie pool.