The morning of the 4th was started just like any other traditional 4th of July-with birthday presents! Since it is Katelins party year, she only got one family gift...something she has been begging for-a lava lamp!
And also as tradition states, the kids get all the credit for it! Oh well, whatever builds the bonds of sibling-hood.
After lunch, a friend reminded me that I have a reputation to uphold, and she wanted to get her daughter in on it. Thank you Carrie for reminding me that I have to do some sort of cute celebratory hair style. ~sigh~ Normally I dont forget things like that...well, sometimes I dont. But this particular day I was running around frazzled and stressed because we had an appraiser coming to look at our house the next morning, and I knew I wouldnt be home the rest of the day to clean. Unfortunately the morning of July 4th was a little late to purchase any festive hair accessories. Fortunately, all I had to do was conjure up some red ribbon. Dont look too closely at Alissas recycled red and white heart valentine ribbons.
With stars and ribbons in their hair, we were off to the parade! The kids were all excited to get handed free flags...for about 2 minutes. Then they landed in the wagon so they could have both hands free to catch the candy flying their way.
Next on the agenda was a trip out to Lake Michigan to go boating with our friends until fireworks. I decided its awesome to have friends with boats. Might have to get a few more...or maybe its just easier to buy the boat. Anyway, the kids all had a blast...
well, except for this one!
Just look at that face. No, she isnt in the mood and doesnt want to talk about it! She preferred to be in my lap covered with a towel the entire time to shield her from the horror.
While Brylee cowered under her towel, the rest of us took turns being pulled behind the boat on this baby!
This was the last time I wore those sunglasses. The next trip was was Ryan, Caden and I. Jim (the driver) decided to try and tip us (Ryan in particular) off. Carrie assured us that the tube has never...ever flipped! So I felt pretty safe, especially with their son on board with us. Big mistake. Yes, we were the first ones to ever get flipped over and off the tube. I feel so special. Oh, and in case you were wondering...Lake Michigan feels pretty much like an ice bath. Thanks Jimmy Boy!
After a few hours we went back to the marina to take a potty/ birthday donut break. Brylee is much happier when the boat is stopped. (: The plan was to go back out and watch the fireworks from the boat, but I guess we took about 5 minutes too long because they had just closed the canal to the lake so we had to sit back in the marina and watch from there. Still better than squishing on a crowded lawn breathing cigarette smoke, but a little disappointing nonetheless.
We arrived back home in record post firework time, and 2 days later after recovering from hot sun, ice cold lake water, late nights and Mr. Appraiser, we were all refreshed and ready to get our Aloha on.
Katelin started off her party in the morning, by opening the gift that arrived from some of her Taylor family.
The birthday celebration for year #10, consisted of a good ol Wisconsin Luau!
Flip Flops on the beach cupcakes...
a big old pitcher of tropical punch (apparently, Brylee was upset by the lack of space created for her around the dispenser! Sometimes shes moody, but we give her a break because well, she is 3 after all)...
some bbq chicken, fruit and rolls...
cant forget Luau attire...
and whats a Luau without a little Limbo? How low can you go?
Everyone has their own style...
Hoola Hoop games...
Hawaiian Pictionary...
A pinata...
presents, of course...
Fire!...
wishes...
and 3 hours later, we ran out of things to do. Have no idea whos crazy idea it was to have a 4 1/2 hour party (ahem...Katelin)! So we busted out a game of headbands.
There was also some hula dancing in there too, but Im not going to post picts of that since only 2 of the guests were brave enough to get up and try it; and of course they werent our kids! As soon as it got dark enough, we lit a fire and roasted (burned) marshmallows. Even when it got dark, it was still so hot outside that the kids all headed inside and ended up watching Phineas and Ferb until their parents arrived. Going to need another 2 days of re-coup time after that one!
Happy Birthday America and Happy Birthday Katelin!
(at least it better have been!)
