Happy Birthday Party July 4th

This is what the kids (Jack and the triplets) were saying all day yesterday.  All they knew was there was fun, food and fireworks.  I would have to say that this is one of the best 4th's I can remember.  One of the most memorable was the one after September 11, but this was the most fun.  I am sure they will only get better as time goes by and the kids get older.  We went to church and that was kicked off by some great music.  We sang Yankee Doodle in church.  That was interesting, but patriotic, I guess.  Anyway, it was a great service.  Here is our littlest bug in all her patriotic cuteness.  I was even able to get a tiny ponytail on top to stick her clip in.

We then headed to my parents.  Jack wanted to play outside a little bit before nap and we just hung out.  Kate and Jack were busy playing with each other and at one point Jack was hitching a ride on the back of Kate's walker and she was rolling him around.  It was funny.

Then the real festivities began.  The triplets toddled over and the Eikelands joined us too.  All 5 big kids ran around for at least 2 hours in the backyard while we got dinner ready.  Brian and Kate took in the sites.

Bubbles!

Watching the "Bubble Show"

Brian

Then, we ate and we had some good food.  Burgers, some awesome baked macaroni courtesy of Kimberly, baked beans, and tons of desserts.  Great American food.

Blake loved the watermelon - even the rind!

After watermelon...

My triple berry (strawberry, raspberries, blueberries) cheesecake.  I don't want to brag, but it...was...awesome.  I loved it and will definitely make it again.

Finally, we wrapped up the evening with some sparklers and lame fireworks because our lame state won't allow the kind you shoot in the air.  Lame.  Oh well, it was cheap fun and the kids were into it for a bit.

Watching the "fire" with Papa

Annie even liked them

We stopped by a parking lot down the street from us to see the city fireworks and caught a few, but by that time it was 10 and the kids were done.  Jack liked them for a few minutes and then was ready to go.  It was a late night, but a great FULL day.  It made me feel proud to be American.  I am so grateful for our freedoms and for those who have served to protect that.  God Bless America!