The Fourth of July - WOUD!

On the 4th of July, Ryan & I started the day in an all too familiar way... with Ryan shopping for his annual far-too-tacky 'Merica shirt from Walmart.  Previous winners have included a shirt with the Statue of Liberty on a Harley and Mount Rushmore with the presidents wearing what appear to be Dre Beats.  He was wandering around Walmart with an ice cream cone at 9:30 am.  Did I marry a dream boat or what?  He scored not only a tacky shirt, but also a tacky hat.  2013 is obviously a year to remember.

You know you how know that Ryan didn't buy anything on this rack?  It's 2x his 4th of July apparel budget.

After we got back to the house, all parties were awake, accounted for and securely in their party panties.  The atmosphere of celebration was palpable.  Or maybe it was the red, white, blue and glitter that was palpable- either way the Brady clan was ready to wish 'Merica a Happy Birthday.

 Ahhh, yes. Just what our forefathers dreamed of- a world where a mother could clothe her baby in red, white, blue & ridiculous sunglasses whilst her beloved sports a cut off shirt that says "this guy loves America."

Lucy & Emery rocking those sunglasses.

We all immediately reported to the pool to participate in a lively beer pong tournament.  I don't know who won- to be honest our bracketology was pretty flawed from the get-go.  I'm fairly certain if you ask any male present, they would tell you they won.  In my own opinion the real winner was the Conroe area aluminum recycling facility.  Needless to say- a great time was had by all.

Children on a beerpong table.  No big deal.

Way too cool for school.

If this isn't the vision that John Hancock had in mind when signing the Declaration of Independence, I really don't know what was.

You too could have owned that hat for a mere $2. Also, celebrating Lady Liberty is very exhausting.

After a morning and afternoon spent splashing around in the pool we got cleaned up.  Ash & Kara found the wee ones some precious seasonal wear and we decided that we should get them all together and try to get some photos.  We were far too optimistic.  I think the grandparents felt like life had finally come full circle as they watched us call all their names, wave, dance and do just about anything to somehow get all of them to look in the same direction at the same time.  Neanie & the Nonnies finally got the last laugh after many years of trying to take full fledged family photos where any one, or all, of us would insist on crying, holding a cat or picking our nose each summer.  Ahhh well.  At least they're cute right?

Humble beginnings.  3 of the 4 children look pleased and mine looks disgusted.  Sounds about right.

Things deteriorated rapidly.  Emery is saying, I'm outta here yo and I'm taking your strap with me, Av.  Ava is thinking maybe she can pet Emery into submission.  Lucy is starting to look a little appalled.  Tripp is appealing to his Mom to rescue him.

Ava is staring off into the distance dreaming of getting back in the pool.  Lucy is trying to share her secret escape plan with Emery.  Tripp is working on his disappearing act.  Em is just looking bothered by the possibility that Lucy's plan might not work.

Ava is over it.  Tripp looks terrified.  Emery has given up.  Lucy is about to throw down.

Is this what you meant by "gentle?"

With an entourage like this you would really expect more, wouldn't you?

Got this little firecracker to give me a couple of smiles.  Mama dancing like a hooligan will do that.

Following our largely unsuccessful photo shoot, we dined on some delicious shish kebabs- a Brady fan favorite.  I always forget how much I love that meal until I have it with the family.  It screams summer time to me.  

Post dinner we all loaded up in the car to go watch some fireworks.  We still can't get the boat out so we planned to drive over to the Walden Yacht Club, park and stake out some space to get front row land seats.  What is that they say about the best laid plans?  That they often run into kids?  

It was way past Emery's bed time so she exercised her vocal chords the entire trip over to Walden.  Girlfriend can really hit some Mariah Carey level decibels when she puts her mind to it. It's never seemed so far away.  Poor Av was such a sweet car riding buddy.  She kept telling Em she would be okay and trying to give her a paci.  Once we got there, poor Tripp decided that the fireworks were "too woud," so Kara & Paul took him home for the evening. 

 

A rare boogie & Mama shot.  Notice how excited she is.

We all still managed to have a wonderful time despite these minor set backs.  All in all, it was a wonderful day.  I'm so very thankful for the men and women who protect this country so that my family and I can have days like this.  Thank you to everyone who has served, has family who has served or who will serve- you are our heroes!