July 4th- the first of many catch-up posts

Mike made sure it felt like a HOLIDAY by blasting some of his favorite patriotic tunes as a wake-up call, and sang along on our way to the parade(can you call it "singing" when you're pounding out the drum beat with your mouth?). The parade was very hot! Even at 10:00 a.m. it felt like SUMMER! The fire engines sprayed a "little" water to help cool a few of us down. Michael didn't appreciate it. Joey appreciated the candy. He had the cutest puppy dog eyes for anyone who might be unwrapping these little treasures for him.
Afterwards, the kids raced in the fireman races. Michael is so cute. I'm not sure you can tell in the picture or not, but his tongue is sticking out with determination to win! I think he forgave the firemen after they awarded him with a popsicle at the end of his race.
Adelyn was a great racer! She put on her runner-shoes, the skirt I made her out of a trash shirt, and a July 4th head band (she's worn it for the past 4 years, and it puts a smile on my face every time). I just checked: her tongue is sticking out too.
We later went and "helped" at the grocery store for a little while and had a BBQ to end the evening, complete with homemade ice cream and hometown fireworks. Joey was fascinated with the fireworks! He would say "WOW!" with every once... we're not sure he even knew what "wow" meant. It must have just felt right coming out of his mouth.