I absolutely love the 4th of July and always look forward to the festivities. I think it is one of my favorite family holidays! I have so many good memories from when I was a kid, and I look forward to many more memories for our little family!
This year, we headed downtown on Tuesday evening for the eventful Light Up Arlington. We got there kind of late because we didn't know how long the girls would make it, and we wanted to stay for fireworks. So, we only did a few fun things, but I think they left a lasting impression--at least for Tylie. We started with a Duckie Derby, where Tylie won and picked out a hammer.
Next we went to the blow-up playground area--and forgot to take pictures--where there were bounce houses, huge slides, a long train, and other inflatable entertainment.
The most memorable moment of the night was the pony ride. Tylie is still talking about the black horse she got to ride, and that Kaelisse got to ride a white one. She had such a wonderful time, that we decided we need to plan a trip to Aunt Angie's house so we can ride some real horses!
After this, we spent a little while in the farm area where the girls got to pet and brush goats, sheep, a cow, bunnies, etc. They always have a good time with animal interaction, so it was naturally a hit.
That's all we really had time to do, and it felt like plenty with two little girls. Then we went and found a spot for the fireworks. We weren't sure how well this was going to go. Tylie has been increasingly sensitive to loud noises lately, and Kaelisse hasn't really experienced the boom of fireworks before. Luckily, they both made it through the 25 minute display, and we all had a wonderful time!
This is how Tylie spent the first half of the show. Hehe.
Kaelisse was in awe the whole time. The noise didn't phase her.
They both wanted to stay cuddled up to daddy the whole time. I love watching the girls with Brent...they love him so much!
The next morning, we went downtown again to enjoy the parade. I look forward to the parade every year! I think I enjoy it almost more than most kids do. I simply love the atmosphere of patriotism, and always enjoy all the local talent that comes out to participate.
Tylie standing for the flag as it passed.
Such a precious moment!
Kaelisse thought she wanted to be a part of the action...running out into the road!
Here are some of the more interesting items from our parade this year:
UTA--Go Mavericks! Tylie likes to see Blaze anywhere she can.
Approximately 30 Elvis impersonators...on mini motorcycles.
An entire crew of belly dancers.
A really large, spy-movie-looking fire truck.
Um....??
???
I think this one looked like a circus version of the character from Narnia...what was his name??
What a wonderful holiday and a wonderful couple of days full of entertainment. As a family, we really had a great time!
Unfortunately...only a few hours after returning home from the parade, we ended up in the hospital with Kaelisse--what a way to spend a holiday! Thankfully, this was her shortest stay yet, and she was hooked up to far fewer machines for the most part. We're thankful she recovered quickly and is feeling so much better!
Hope all of you had a great holiday like we did! And hopefully, amid all the excitement, we remembered to be grateful for this wonderful country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy!
I'm proud to be an American!!!
Random pictures we have taken recently:
Hanging with my favorite two girls in the universe! They make me smile all day long--most of the time! :D
Reading together...I absolutely love watching them read books. I'm glad they both seem to love them so much already!
After we put swimsuits on, Kaelisse wastes no time grabbing her floatie and waiting at the door for the rest of us to catch up! She and Tylie are such water babies! They love swimming, and are frighteningly confident about their abilities in the water. We're teaching them....but I think it may be time to bring in the professionals. (Also, I LOVE her "cheese" face!)
