Independence Day

We had another fun Independence Day with family and friends! 

We didn't participate in any races in the morning, but by afternoon we were at Grandma Teresa and Grandpa Russ' ready for some fun in the water. 

First up was Cracker Whacker:

Everyone has cracker hanging just below their bum, and then you try to whack their cracker with your rolled up newspaper, aka Whacker. I sat out for this one--I figured baby sister would be grateful!

Todd and Thad were the first to get out (can you believe all those adults ganging up on Thad?!)-

They were bummed, but came back strong for a sweet game of battleship.

Teresa took one for the team (and by team I mean her, Russ and I) and evened things out for the game. They should have just let Thad even the game, but they didn't think he was up for aiming, but he got several people out on the opposing team. Five year olds rock at games.

This cute picture was taken before the water balloon/squirt gun massacre. That pool was emptied and there were some welts to admire after everyone turned on each other and had an epic water fight.

We sure love this Whitehouse/Monsen family of ours and this super fun water game tradition!

The evening was spent at the Doyle's house for a BBQ and fireworks.

We caught the kids before ketchup and popsicles destroyed their clothes, and ended up with some pretty cute pictures!

  

It looks like everyone is coddling Grandpa Kent, but what you can barely see behind Wes' head is Kevin the cat. Not that Grandpa Kent isn't totally awesome, but wherever Kevin was, a crowd was sure to follow!

Blue was obviously the favorite color among the bunch.

 Thad sure does love that color green though and sticks to his guns on it whenever he can!

The kids were so excited when it was finally time for fireworks!
Tyson had been out front for a while during the evening light just warming things up, but it was so fun to finally get to the big time fireworks!

It's darling that Wes is smiling in this picture, but this is where he stayed for the majority of the firework show -- with his eyes closed, pretending he was asleep, hugging his momma. I didn't mind how cuddly he was and just let him hang out. I sure love this baby boy of mine.

Happy Birthday, America!