From Sea to Shining Sea

I love looking at the outline of the United States, thinking of how I've literally had the opportunity to live from sea to shinning sea (California, Washington D.C. and stops in between!). Each one of us in my little family of three was born in a different state (Texas, California and Arizona) and we're now enjoying a whole new part of the country - Alabama! Taking a moment to be a #ProudAmerican over here. 

The 4th of July is hubby's favorite holiday because pyrotechnics. He was all sorts of stoked to continue Parker's education in this area.

We took in a fireworks show earlier in the week (after Music in the Park), and Parker was all about it. 

But Max didn't stop there! 

Sparklers, smoke bombs - the bigger and louder, the better. 

He even got Mama in on the fun!

Mama of course prefers arts and crafts, like this red, white & blue star painting:

And dessert making!

To make frozen banana pops, just slice bananas in half, and insert a lollipop stick. Freeze, then dip in melted dark or white chocolate and decorate! 

A red, white & blueberry breakfast bowl was also on the menu. 

It was a rainy long weekend, but we still got some pool time in-between the storms. 

Family walks to the pool? My favorite!

If you ask Little Man about his favorite part of the holiday weekend, it's most definitely the sparklers.

We did two full nights of them, and Parker is hooked.

Mama, too.

Happy Birthday, USA!

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The 5th of July

It's the fifth of July, and even the weather is sad that the weekend is over (it's storming here and so dark and dreary!). We celebrated all weekend with our dear family friends in Nashville (who were the best hosts, btw). By the time the sun set Monday night, we were back at home in Huntsville, exhausted and already in bed! We did pack a ton of patriotic fun in over the long weekend though...

We "grilled out" in Nashville (the Southern way of saying "BBQ" - a "BBQ" in The South involves smoking meat and using barbecue sauce... so many things I still need to learn, y'all!).

We explored the darling historic area of Franklin...

And caught a minor league baseball game - The Nashville Sounds!

This was Parker's first time attending a baseball game of any kind, and he was delighted that it was just like t-ball! He especially loved watching the catcher, and asked questions the whole time about all the details. 

Post-game there was a fireworks display set to music and Parker couldn't get enough (literally - he burst into tears when it ended because he wanted more).

This was Parker's fourth 4th of July, and just like his Daddy, he's a fan of fireworks and all things that go boom! 

 Happy Independence Day from our family to yours!

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Gearing Up for the 4th!

It's almost July, which to me sends the message that summer is in full swing. And with our nation's birthday right around the corner, I whipped up a craft for Parker to get in the patriotic spirit...

All you need is:
White Paper
Red and Blue Paint (we like Crayola Washables)
Two Paper Plates (or reusable plastic ones)
Star Shaped Cookie Cutters

I just spread some paint on one of the plates (we started with the blue paint) and let Parker go to town stamping! He loved it and insisted on doing multiple pages :) We let the blue dry before stamping the red on top (you could probably do both at the same time but I didn't want the colors to all blend together). It was simple to prep for, and tons of fun for the little guy - a win, win in my book!

If you are looking for something a bit more intensive, click here for the tutorial on the flag art we made last year! It's probably my favorite piece Parker has ever completed, and I know I'll be bringing it out every July from now until forever.

I checked out every 4th of July children's book I could find at the library, but this one I ordered on Amazon is my favorite...



These sweet patriotic toddler swim trunks and pajams are calling out my name...

And how adorable is this pillow? At just $8, it's totally a steal...

Also, I might have to whip up this snack for Parker just so I can smell it (cream cheese and toast are on the Whole 30 absolutely not list, but they taste oh so good together, amiright?)...

How are you gearing up for the fourth??

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Happy Birthday 'Merica

This was Parker's third time celebrating the 4th of July, but the first year where he really understood what was happening. He was all about the red, white, and blue!

There were cookies to be baked and decorated...

Patriotic outfits to be donned...

 Ice cream to be enjoyed...

Sparklers to set off... (pictured here with Gigi in town from Dallas!)

And best of all - FIREWORKS to be seen!

 We brought our folding chairs and camped out at the US Space and Rocket Center for their show (which boasted to be the biggest in the Tennessee Valley!). Unfortunately, right at 9pm when the music/choreographed fireworks were set to begin, the rain (which had been set at a steady sprinkle just cooling everyone off) decided to amp up. The fireworks continued still (though I think we spotted some technical difficulties along the way) and over the course of the next fifteen minutes or so, the entire crowd (700 cars worth) was soaked. Quite the experience! Everyone there surprisingly seemed in very good spirits still, but it made for one very wet ride home!

 How did you spend the holiday weekend?

Happy Birthday, USA! 

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