The Day After

So it's the day after our Fourth of July celebration. Here's a short recap of our fun day:

Our festivities began at 6:00 when my parents, our friends Reed and Nikki and their kids, Eli and Parker, came over to eat. We had brats and hot dogs on the grill, grilled corn on the cob, cole slaw, baked beans, chips, fresh pineapples and strawberries, and red velvet cake for dessert. Before we stuffed ourselves silly we sat on the back porch and watched the kids play in the slip 'n slide. The weather had been alternating all day between a light, cloudy drizzle of rain to a few moments of sunshine. But around 6:45 we could tell a full blown thunderstorm was rolling in. The air turned cooler, the clouds changed from white to dark grey and we could see distant lightning flashes. Although it threatened our later firework-watching plans, it was so neat to see the storm as it approached.

The sky started its shift from light blue to angry grey.

My dad and my girls (in their wet bathing suits) watching the storm roll in.

The festive red velvet cake my mom made and Hannah decorated.

As we were eating dinner, the storm rolled through full speed ahead. Rain came down in sheets and we could hear claps of thunder. But thankfully, as quickly as it arrived, it blew off to the north and we were left with a muggy, wet, post-storm calmness. Earlier in the day, Mike and Leah had gone to a nearby fireworks stand to pick out a few to shoot off from home--sparklers, jump-n-jacks, pop-its, and some small rockets. Our cul-de-sac was the perfect platform for our mischief.

Reed running away after lighting a small rocket.

This picture doesn't quite do this poor firework justice. Imagine spinning, loud squealing, changing colors and sparks flying. Our kids were all impressed anyway. =)

And since the storm came and went, we could continue on with our plan to head to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and watch their fabulous fireworks display. It didn't start until 10:00, which is way past our girls' bedtime, but the Fourth of July only comes around once a year, ya know. =)

All four little ones ready to go watch the "big fireworks".

We sat a short distance away in a parking lot since last year the loud noises hurt my girls' ears.

Hannah still covered hers as a preaution. But overall, they loved them and ooohed and ahhhed as each one lit up the sky.
The grand finale.

And this final shot, taken at midnight-- not too long after we were finally home and had the girls tucked in, is of me and my enormous, nearly 36 week pregnant belly. I was pretending to hobble like an old lady (and trying not to laugh) when Mike snapped this shot.

I can't believe this little guy will be here with us next year when we celebrate!

What did you do for the Fourth?