Independence Day!

Judging by what I've seen on social media, everyone had a pretty great time decked out in varying shades of Red, White and Blue this weekend! The weather was great, slightly overcast - made it a little more tolerable. And it was filled with lots of fun! We were exhausted by the end of it. I spent most of Sunday in complete zombie mode. It was totally worth it though.

We kicked off the weekend Friday by doing some sparklers and poppers in the back yard - just Jack, Daniel and I. He had a blast. I bought a bunch of those and he kept wanting more and more. Little pyro. lol. (It's genetic I'm afraid - said the daughter of a welder.)

July 4 morning we headed down to the city's celebration. Jack was still a little young for a lot of the games and bounce houses, but he had a blast eating the BEST kettle corn ever and playing in the water and on the playground.

After we got him tuckered out, we went home and I attempted to put him down for nap. For some reason, he was being really stubborn (probably because he knew I needed to get stuff done.) So in true star parenting fashion, I put him on the couch with his paci (we are almost done weaning from sleep time too! But it's totally gone during the day now) and his blanket and iPad. I left to do dishes and make potato salad. I checked back 15 min later and he was OUT.

You guys, this is a big deal. Jack will fall asleep for other people no problem. Make him comfy and he's out. But for me? This never happens. I ALWAYS have to cuddle, rock, nurse him to sleep. Every single time.

He's been growing up so much lately though, these little improvements toward independence  isn't really surprising me. He's always been such a clingy mama's boy since day one (much to my equal parts frustration and joy). But the past few weeks, it's like he's really coming into his own. He'll play on the playground without me now. He runs around with his friends. He doesn't always need me in his sight (although he's generally always in mine. lol). It's great, but also a little sad to see. He's just growing up and I'm so glad I get to see him do that.

Speaking of Independence, he swam and swam and swam some more as long as he could in Grandma Christy's pool on the 4th. We went over there for a BBQ and family party (hence my making my delish potato salad) and all he wanted to do was swim. I got him out of the pool for like a second once to shovel down a couple bites of chicken and watermelon and then he was back in the water.

Finally, we had to go so we could get home and see the big city fireworks show.  It was 10 p.m. when they finally went off - an hour past bedtime (So I guess it was good he took a late nap.)

Getting ready for the show. 

Afterward, we did a few fireworks with my bro and sis in law: "Uncle Marvin and Aunt Courtney." It was a lot of fun. As soon as we got home though, he crawled up on the couch and crashed. haha.

All in all it was such a fun time. So grateful we live in a country where we are able to have so many freedoms and liberties to live how we choose. Thanks to all of those who protect and serve. I'll never forget that freedom isn't free.

Yay, America!