A Fractured Fourth of July

This year we resumed the compound fracture Fourth of July party. We began July 3 with pizza and swimming at our house. There were tons of kiddos and they had fun swimming and playing. Clara started requesting to go underwater, not sure if it was due to her swim lesson with Emily the day before or watching some of the other kids do it. We attempted to corral the kids on the back steps for a picture before the fireworks and I think we did a pretty good job. Clara refused to be in the picture but I think most of the other kids made it in.

She loves Sarah 

Reedcito showed us his new swimming skills

So much fun with so many kids!

Lyla won the cutest swimsuit category

We watched the fireworks at the high school from our front yard and the kids were pretty into them. Clara and Reed had been requesting them all day and were beyond excited. Connor was delirious and so hilarious playing with Clara. Emmett watched for awhile and then fell asleep. Bayleaf was super excited, Rory, and Jeffrey also fell asleep, Lyla begged to go home, and Eli was scared too. Little Emma watched away! Needless to say, it was a late night and all the kids were tired by the time the fireworks finished.

Clara told Lyla to sit on her lap and Lyla obliged

Trying to stay awake...

...failing 

On the Fourth of July we headed to los Tios for swimming, BBQing, and more fireworks. We went over around noon and ate lunch and put the girls down for a nap. Emmett woke up late, took his morning nap at 11:00 in the stroller, and then screamed bloody murder when I tried to put him down. The third time was the charm and he slept while we swam and played. The kids loved the diving board and took turns jumping (Clara refused). 

We're so patriotic...

Emma won the cutest swimsuit category this day

He really wanted to play

Clara and Connor playing with balloons!

We had a yummy dinner Tio cooked and set off some fireworks once it got darkish. Most people had already left by the time we set off fireworks. The kids were exhausted from the late night the night before. Clara was pretty into the fireworks and helped Drew choose which ones to light. Bailey was super excited and kept requesting more. Lyla wasn't as scared as the night before and seemed to enjoy them although she didn't want to get too close. Emmett squealed away and kept trying to get out of my arms and crawl towards the fireworks. We had a great time with great friends celebrating our freedom and all of the liberties we take for granted.

Best unicorn horn ever!

These two sure love each other!