We had a fabulous July 4th weekend with our family and I have lots of pictures to share!
On our way home from church we saw that the horses close to our neighborhood were out grazing so we stopped to say hi and feed them some grass from the other side of the fence. Yep, it's always greener over there.
The kids had no fear (well, very little anyway), and they all wanted to feed Thunder. Though they were much too far away at the moment, the kids seemed to be saying, "Pick me, pick me!" as they anxiously reached out their hands toward the patient horse.
Closer, closer... success!
Mommy gives Payson a lift, and some security, so he could feed the horse too.
We've made it a tradition to take a family photo in our red, white and blue outside by our tree that was newly planted when the kids celebrated their first Independence Day. Ironically, the tree hasn't grown a bit. But the kids certainly have!
That evening we went to the 4th of July Celebration in our neighborhood. Cousins Avery and Addison and my brother, Grant, joined us, and I was amazed at how well all of the kids sat and ate their picnic dinner. Keith and I usually split meals for our kids, but we let them each place their own order. Payson ordered a hamburger, Hayden got a hot dog and Madison wanted nachos. There was a lot of food wasted because the portions were so big but they were so proud to have their own order.
After dinner we played near the lake with Pops and Nunie. Hayden insisted on getting dangerously close to the water. The natural Mother in me wanted to keep her from falling into the foot-deep water but the Love & Logic-trained Mother in me wanted to let her fall so she would learn to stop leaning over the edge!
Hayden and Daddy (wish you could see her face full of joy and delight as she played with him)
Checking out the firetruck with their friend, Logan.
Madison giving Logan a hug and kiss (and whispering sweet nothings into his ear) as they parted ways.
The fireman put the kids on the front of his truck so they could play with the bell.
Avery, Addison, Madison, Payson and Hayden
Next up we headed over to the game area. Hayden was intrigued by the super tall man.
Madison loving the bounce house.
And last but not least, FIREWORKS! Payson was a bit spooked at first but the girls loved it from start to finish!
The day before the kids participated in a local craft time and the kids did such a great time decoupaging magnetic American flags.
To our delight, Hayden was both independent and accepting of help.
Payson accepted verbal instruction well and was thrilled to create a masterpiece nearly all on his own. "I do it, I do it" he repeatedly requested in a firm, yet mild tone when I offered my help.
Madison was a bit too interested in the glue but Daddy helped her stay on track. As you can see by her enormous smile, she was extremely proud of her work!
On our way home from church we saw that the horses close to our neighborhood were out grazing so we stopped to say hi and feed them some grass from the other side of the fence. Yep, it's always greener over there.
The kids had no fear (well, very little anyway), and they all wanted to feed Thunder. Though they were much too far away at the moment, the kids seemed to be saying, "Pick me, pick me!" as they anxiously reached out their hands toward the patient horse.
Closer, closer... success!
Mommy gives Payson a lift, and some security, so he could feed the horse too.
We've made it a tradition to take a family photo in our red, white and blue outside by our tree that was newly planted when the kids celebrated their first Independence Day. Ironically, the tree hasn't grown a bit. But the kids certainly have!
That evening we went to the 4th of July Celebration in our neighborhood. Cousins Avery and Addison and my brother, Grant, joined us, and I was amazed at how well all of the kids sat and ate their picnic dinner. Keith and I usually split meals for our kids, but we let them each place their own order. Payson ordered a hamburger, Hayden got a hot dog and Madison wanted nachos. There was a lot of food wasted because the portions were so big but they were so proud to have their own order.
After dinner we played near the lake with Pops and Nunie. Hayden insisted on getting dangerously close to the water. The natural Mother in me wanted to keep her from falling into the foot-deep water but the Love & Logic-trained Mother in me wanted to let her fall so she would learn to stop leaning over the edge! 
Hayden and Daddy (wish you could see her face full of joy and delight as she played with him)
Checking out the firetruck with their friend, Logan.
Madison giving Logan a hug and kiss (and whispering sweet nothings into his ear) as they parted ways.
The fireman put the kids on the front of his truck so they could play with the bell.
Next up we headed over to the game area. Hayden was intrigued by the super tall man.
Madison loving the bounce house.
And last but not least, FIREWORKS! Payson was a bit spooked at first but the girls loved it from start to finish!
The day before the kids participated in a local craft time and the kids did such a great time decoupaging magnetic American flags.
To our delight, Hayden was both independent and accepting of help.
Payson accepted verbal instruction well and was thrilled to create a masterpiece nearly all on his own. "I do it, I do it" he repeatedly requested in a firm, yet mild tone when I offered my help.
Madison was a bit too interested in the glue but Daddy helped her stay on track. As you can see by her enormous smile, she was extremely proud of her work!
4 comments:
Great photos, Jessica! I love the ones of the kids feeding Thunder. That horse seemed really docile -- the photos made me want to feed him! Also, great anecdotes and photos of them creating their flags. Madison's proud smile is heartwarming. Hayden looked really cute as she concentrated on her craft. And Payson seems like such a sweet boy. You've got some wonderful kids!
Great photos, Jessica! I love the ones of the kids feeding Thunder. That horse seemed really docile -- the photos made me want to feed him! Also, great anecdotes and photos of them creating their flags. Madison's proud smile is heartwarming. Hayden looked really cute as she concentrated on her craft. And Payson seems like such a sweet boy. You've got some wonderful kids!
Kina, as always, you are so sweet and have such sweet things to say. Thanks for the kind words and love for our family!
It's been way too long since I've been on the blog. I loved catchign up on all of their little adventures. Tell Payson not to worry about being "cautious". If you come up to visit Kylee will join him in making sure that everything is completely safe before trying it! :)
Miss you guys!
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