Red White & Blue

This July fourth our little family was on our own. That hasn't happened since we got married. We didn't know how the day would turn out but by the end of it we thought we did pretty good.  

We debated with ourselves if we really wanted to go to The Summerlin Parade to start the day. Quincy and I both would of rather slept in then get up at 7:00 to be at a parade, but we knew the kids would love it. And love it they did. Especially Jensen of course with every single car and truck you could think about driving down the street.

Now this parade was quite the upgrade from our three minute parade we watched last year in Alamo. We barely sat down and got situated and it was over. This year we watched at least 2 hours of entertainment.

For being rookies to the parade we thought we found a pretty good spot. We weren't on the main side of the street where the parade goes down but in the end I liked that better. That way I wasn't worried if one of my kids ran out into the street and the sun wasn't in our eyes.  We also found a nice shady tree to watch the parade by. I had been warned that we might melt in the hot Las Vegas heat but actually the morning was overcast and we only needed our shade from the tree the last half hour of the parade.

Also right across from us was this crazy co-ed (had a BYU hat on) parade fanatic. He looked like he had been saving seats for a week. He had red, white & blue banners up and decorated the trees with crepe paper next to his spot. The best part was he had this sign that said "Parade Stop Here". That way when a parade entry was going by they did their routine right in front of him (which was right in front of us too). He was getting people to do all sorts of stuff like honk and rev their engines (Jensen appreciated that one), girls dance, football players acting out plays and made the big balloons do 360's. He was quite entertaining!

Lucy kept asking me if the balloons had candy inside of them. She thought they were big pinatas.

 The kids were disappointed that they didn't get any candy but they did get stickers, frisbees, and
yo-yos.

Lucy waiting for more big "pinatas" to come.

 These were some of our favorites.

The parade was a hit but Quincy and I are both trying to forget the melt down by both kids to get back to the car after it. We headed home for lunch and a much needed nap for everyone. After we were all well rested we headed out for our second activity of the day. The 51's baseball game which had a carnival for the kids before hand.

Since we went to one of these last year we knew where to head first, the bounce house. Lucy surprisingly went right inside to jump but didn't like everyone else bouncing her. She sat by the edge and even got out early.

The next time she waited patiently while her brother jumped in the mosh pit.

 The kids did do some carnival games too. This is them with their bags full of prizes. Their favorite was kicking a soccer ball into the net to win these crazy gold madallions.

Future Dodger players

After the carnival we got some dinner and returned to the park for the game. This was the place to be since they were having fireworks at the end of the game. We were keeping our fingers crossed that the kids would make it through all nine innings.

Jensen going up to Cosmo and giving Papa John's pizza guy high five.

The kids did make it through the game. Bubbles, snacks and suckers were a big help in that. Lucy insisted that she have a jacket before we left the house. We told her that she didn't need it but she wouldn't give up. She put it on for the fireworks even though it was a wonderful 90 degrees.

The fireworks were two thumbs up and was the perfect ending to such a great day!

I am not sure why, maybe it's because I have never been home for the fourth, but I didn't have any Fourth of July decorations until this year. I thought our house looked pretty bare so I saw something like this on Pinterest (of course) and thought I could totally copy it. So copy it I did. Best part I had all the materials already at home. The star came from my upstairs bathroom and the wood was a sign that I repurposed. So easy and cheap.  

I thought I needed a banner too!

Trip to the Museum

Grandma and Grandpa Haworth spoiled us by taking eight grandkids and two daughter-in-laws to the Lied Museum a week or so ago. Even though we have been there before it was a new experience with the cousins. What a great time! 

Our first stop and Jensen's favorite.

The kids loved the wind tunnel. We loved watching their fraces!

Strong Lucas pulling up Jensen.

Grandpa Haworth had to see if he could do it too!

I don't know if this was new to the museum or I skipped it last time, but it is a digital harp. Meaning there are no strings but you hit the air with your fingers and it makes sounds. It was way cool!

Also new to the museum for us was a karaoke room. Most of the grandkids gave it a try. Dianna even talked me into singing Summer Nights with her. Thinking only those inside the room would have to suffer, I agreed. Later, as we were looking at other exhibits I noticed that the karaoke music was boardcasted to the whole floor. No wonder why I kept getting weird looks from all the other adults.

This little girl can be a party pooper. She spent a lot of time in the stroller. I am not sure if the hot weather agrees with her little body.

She did like the dress up part but what girl wouldn't?

Grandma Haworth with eight of her cute grandkids.



The day didn't end there. We ate lunch at In n' Out and then headed to Town Square for shopping and splash pads. But when we got there they were working on the splash pads. Bummer. Luckily, I know where a couple or two are. Then we headed home to be with the birthday boy, Quincy. He chose not to join in all the other fun we were having on his day. We had pizza, homemade vanilla ice cream, and peanut butter cupcakes (that were to die for).

. . . or at least the frosting was.