4th of July

Our 4th of July started a couple of days early with a package arriving in the mail. Inside wrapped in red, white, and blue tulle was outfits for all the kids and some 4th of July treats. Grandma Nettie never forgets. (Which is good because I NEVER remember to buy outfits for my kids for the 4th. I'm more into the bbqs and fireworks).

Early on Saturday morning (which was too early considering we were at the firework show past midnight the night before) the kids woke me up to remind me about the big parade in Anchorage. We all got up and were out the door by 9:50 to stake out our portion of the sidewalk. The girls reminded everyone to bring a plastic bag to fill with candy but all Maddy filled hers with was a weed which got a couple of laughs from some homeless people who watched her pick it because she pulled the whole garganious thing out of the roots then carried it.

We had to problem finding a parking space in a field (which was miraculous because I swear the whole city was driving trying to find a spot) and when we came to Delaney Park Strip we just happened to find a part of the sidewalk in front of this playground. SCORE! The kids were able to play for 30 minutes until the parade started. Huge blessing for me!!! (Side note: make sure when your kids play eye spy that they know not to use people...especially when you're in a crowd. Awkward!)

Kali looking like the 4th of July!

Yes...they might be crazy but they're mine! (I can't believe we're having another!!!!)

Caleb proudly sporting his new shirt.

After the parade we walked down to the festival. It was so much fun!!! Maddy and Jack wanted to go in the bounce house. They had so much fun and so did I because you paid for your kids to go in but they didn't have a time limit. I hate paying $5 for 3 minutes and most of the time your time is cut short because of the huge lines. This was so nice to just watch them play.

About the only time Jackson actually held still for me to take a picture.

I don't know who this kid is but I had to take a picture of the Bucking Salmon- only in Alaska so you find a Bucking Salmon.

Caleb decided that he wanted to climb the rock wall.

Here's his two cheerleaders cheering him on

And he made it to the top to ring the alarm!

His proud decent down.

Next after some activities and showing out mouths full of delicious food was face painting.

I had to hurry and take Maddy's picture asap because within 20 minutes it didn't look like a butterfly anymore but a smear of color

No this is not Caleb but Michael Angelo!

After face painting we sat in the lawn watching these acrobats and listening to the AF Band. I decided to let the dancing machine out of his stroller and boy did myself and everyone around us get a laugh at Jack. There was this homeless man laying in the grass enjoying the music and for some reason Jackson was so atracted to him. He kept on running up to him and dancing for a while and running back to me. Then he's run back and dance and run back. I think the man was tickled that Jackson was paying attention to him.

By 5pm we finally headed home. It had been a long day in the sun and walking around. It was fun but didn't seem quite fulfilling without Aaron.