Autumn's first 4th of July

We had an amazingly great 4th of July this year. It actually felt "normal" with Autumn for once. We were able to take her outside and let her enjoy the fireworks with us. A storm blew in early in the evening and the wind had picked up so I thought we would not be able to take her outside to join in the festivities but everything died down and we had a wonderful time. In the past our family get togethers included ALL of my extended family but as we have gotten older everyone is spread apart and have their own plans. We though still always get together with the Graham's and have a great time. I miss the big family gatherings and getting to see all of my family but having at least one other one there makes it great times. It was extra special this year that my brother and his family were able to come down and do the 4th with us.

Here is our July 2009 family picture.

(the dog belongs to my brother)

Autumn in her patriotic outfit


The cousins

My niece and nephew, Haley and Dean

Jordyn (my cousins daughter)

Madison and Gage

These 5 do alot together and are very close

Madison is old enough now to light her own fireworks and she had a blast.

Nana, Autumn, and Grampy enjoying the grandkids firework show

Gage doing a roman candle....

first year he's been old enough to stand and hold it with it shoots out the fireworks.

Autumn absolutely LOVED the fireworks. I was not sure how she would react and if the noise would bother her or not. NOT AT ALL!!! She loved the big ones and everytime one would shoot into the sky she would smile so big at seeing the night sky light up with color. She finally could not hang in there and fell asleep at the end but slept through the noise with no problems. It was a late night for us and I was completely exhausted when we got home....had a van full of sleeping kids we got to unload along with all of Autumn's equipment. James though stayed up until 4am so I could sleep without interruption...so nice since I had 4 nights in a role doing the night shift with Autumn (waking every few hours to check on her).

Next week will be a busy week...we started a tradition where my niece stays a week here and then Madison goes and stays a week with her each summer. Jordyn will be staying with us a few nights as well so we will be taken over with little girls but as long as they entertain Gage as well it makes it a easy week for me. ;) We are debating if we should try this tradition with the boys as well but neither my sister-in-law or I are sure if we want to take on both boys for an entire week...we'll see how they are about getting along when they get a little older. ;) Hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July and remembered how blessed we are to be free.