Patriotic Weekend

One of my oldest memories I have as a child goes back to when I was about 18 months old. I very distinctly remember my mom rocking me in the living room chair and giving me a late night bottle. Why I remember this I don't know, but I do know it has very much affected the way I parent. You never know what the first memory is your child will remember. I always anticipate these amazing holidays, and somehow the plans I would like to make, never really happen. Instead something better happens, we wind up getting these simple, memory filled days that make this little girl extremely happy.  

We had a laid back 4th. We went to a Splash Pad we haven't been to yet with cousins, and it quickly became our favorite. Maggie decided to start walking, and was all over the place. She is so proud of herself. Later we went to the Freedom Festival in Provo and walked around the booths and had a picnic on top of a parking garage while we waited for the fireworks to start at the Stadium. 

Last year Grandma and Grandpa were serving an LDS Mission back in Philadelphia, so needless to say they were excited to be home with Grandkids for the 4th. Grandpa makes for an excellent jungle gym. We had an amazing view of the sunset that night and I couldn't help but snap a pic of it reflection with a patriotic flare. By the time fireworks started, Maggie was going on four hours past her bedtime and was not a happy camper. I tried to snap a few pics of fireworks but they were all blurry, thanks to the squirming, screaming child I was holding. She's a ball of fun when she is tired. Up until that last half hour though, she really was a blast and was so into everything that was happening around her. Unfortunately Daddy was at work that night and wasn't able to join in our family picture. Maybe next year. I couldn't help but post a flash back of her from the 4th of July last year, 2 months and 1 day old, wearing the same hair bow. We will see how many years in a row we can get her to wear it. 

I hope you all had an amazing Holiday. I love this time of year, and love being in Utah even more, because in 2 weeks we get to celebrate again for the State's 24th of July Celebration...until then, onto the pictures. That is what you came for after all right?

XO: Kelli