1 Party Down, Millions More To Go

Ever since Larry and I have been married we have shared the need to invite friends over, feed them, play games, socialize and make them apart of our family. Maybe it's because we have a void to fill with the need of family closeness that's been empty since we have usually lived many miles away from them or we really just like to talk and entertain. Either way we really enjoy filling up our weekends and holidays with a house that's busting at the seams. And thankfully we now have a house to do this in, because I'm sure most of our friends were tired of the cramped quarters of the apartment and eating on piano benches and computer desk chairs!!

This year we knew that we would have to take full advantage of living outside city limits and reminding everyone that fireworks could be enjoyed right outside our front door. Even 1 mile from our house you could fully supply yourself with a year's worth of pyrotechnics fun with 3 different firework stands. With this temptation and teaming up with our close neighbors, The Simons we told everyone we knew to BYOM and join us for a 4th of July BBQ!!

Courtesy of "arts and crafts" time with the girls we whipped out this banner.

They were so shocked that I was letting them paint their hands to help make "fireworks" I couldn't help laughing.

(note to self: I really need to become less worried about cleanliness!!)

Ben takes full use of sucking frosting and cake off his cupcake.

Maybe next time Dad will remember to remove the paper first!

The dad's entertain the kids with all sorts of colorful, smelly, smokey, sparkly fireworks!

I'm not sure if she's enjoying them or totally freaked out. You decide!

Once again, pure joy or complete hesitation?

Thanks to all of our friends that celebrated this holiday with our family!

It wouldn't have been the same with out you.

(although the fly's...I could have done without)
(oh and hopefully our neighbor will enjoy the neat surprise in their backyard of an army guy and his parachute)