4th of July fun

                       Alea, McKinley and Payson sporting their patriotic attire

                       Alea after we finally got her to agree to get into the floaty.  

            Cora and Alea getting ready to go down to the pool for their day of fun.

Happy Independence day!!  

We celebrated in the same way we have for the past few years by driving down to my in-laws to see the family, to eat, and to light fireworks.  This was the first year that we allowed Alea to stay up and watch the show.  She loved it.  She sat through the whole display and ooed and awed right along with the rest of the family.  This report, of course, came from Wren who sat with her while I was down lighting the fuses.  Yes, I was lighting things on fire and watching them explode (giddy laugh....rubbing hands together).  I was actually surprised that the noise didn't bother Alea.  She won't swim in water deeper than a few inches, she won't slide down a tall slide without holding our hands or sitting on our laps, but she loved the fireworks.  She even held some sparklers and did quite a job of traumatizing her cousin by sparkling a little too close to her for comfort.  Alea showed no fear with the fireworks.  She MUST be mine!  : )

Later that weekend we went back to swim with Sarah, Casey and Cora in Edmond.  Again, the pool is absolutely gorgeous and the girls had a great time.  We had so much fun with everyone and look forward to next year.  

Below is a short video of Alea holding her very first sparkler.