4th of July

On the 4th of July, we followed tradition and went to the parade in Dundalk. As usual, we stopped at McDonald's for breakfast with my parents. Jeremy and Jill met us there too, but didn't eat. After breakfast, we drove over to the parade route and found the rest of the family already set up on "our" corner. It was nice and sunny, and thankfully not as hot or humid as it was last year. Peyton and Hunter enjoyed the parade.

Hunter and Kim

Austin, Peyton, and Doug

Red, White, and Blue! (And no, that wasn't planned)

Jill and Jeremy

Peyton keeps cool with his fan

Our family

After the parade, we went home to eat lunch and so that Peyton and Hunter could take naps. Then we went to a cookout at Kate and Dave's new house. Their house is so nice! They have the best kitchen, and I'm not even trying to hide the fact that I'm super jealous of it! Anyway, Dave grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. There was also corn on the cob and fruit salad. Kate was very patriotic with red, white, and blue tortilla chips, M&Ms, and gummy candy.

Kate and Dave's nephews and one of Noah's friends were also at the cookout. After everyone ate, they set up a slip and slide for the boys to play on. I think the kids had fun cooling off in the water.

Noah and Peyton snuck away to play with a big ball.

Around 6:00, Hunter started to get a little cranky, so we thought that we should drive back home. While we were on the way, we just decided to stop at Ft. Meade so that we could watch their fireworks. Normally, the base is closed to civilians, but they open it up on the 4th for a little festival and fireworks. We were pretty early, so we just relaxed on a blanket. Hunter ate a bottle, and it was the first time he held it all by himself!

Peyton and me waiting for the fireworks to begin

Ooohhh! Aaahhh!

We ended up leaving the fireworks before they were even finished because Peyton and Hunter were both exhausted and we wanted to beat the traffic off base. We got home around 10:30 and went to sleep.

4th of July was busy, but fun. On Independence Day, it's important to remember those who fought, and are currently fighting, for our freedom. USA! USA! USA!