Happy Independence Day

Hey Buddy,

Happy 4th of July.  Diva and Poppa are so happy to have all our grandchildren together to celebrate the birth of America.  This is your cousin Emma's first time to be in America during Independence Day.  Here we are with all of us decked out in Red, White and Blue.  I love this picture because your Mommy wanted everyone to smile so she said, " Say Donuts" and that made every one smile except Henry who wanted to leave and go get one right away (see how he is trying to get down from Poppa's lap !)

We got to grill out in the backyard and you even had your very own Kid's Table.  I love that you are giving us "the thumbs up" signal that the hotdogs meet your approval.  Henry thinks he is a big boy so is all smiles.

Your Daddy set off fireworks in the backyard that evening.  They were very loud and Charlie didn't like the noise so is covering his ears.  Henry liked the noise and the pretty colors.  You wanted to help Daddy light them off  but Mommy says you have to be older before you can help.

These are called "Black Snakes" they start off round.  Once you light them they burn and the ashes look like a black snake.  The most surprising and funny fireworks your dad got was  called the Poopy  Puppy.  When he lit it it went off with a big bang that scared him and all of us and then a string of black ashes came out of the puppy's back side. ( So it looked like the Puppy had a poop).  You thought it was the funniest thing you had ever seen.  Poppa laughed and laughed.

 Do you remember the tank?  It had firecrackers in the back so they went off with  loud bangs.  Both you and Charlie covered your ears because it was so loud.  Diva doesn't like loud noises either, they always make me jump.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of the day. 

That afternoon all the kids went swimming in the back yard and played on the swings and fort.  It was a hot day so perfect for being wet and wild.  That evening we all went to watch the fireworks.  We met up with your friends Miss Heather and Jude.  She brought glow sticks for you to play with.  Mommy took these really great photos.

It was the very best day of the year for Poppa and Diva.  We love having our family together.  We did a Skype talk with Uncle Andy and Auntie Rachel.  Maybe next year we can all be together.  Won't that be fun?

Oz, you are growing up so fast.  I love watching you discuss things with Poppa.  Know that we love you so very much and are proud of the young man that you are becoming.

Your Diva