Happy 4th!

So, you might not consider this first picture all that exciting, but I do.  We got a new fridge!  Woot.  Now our entire kitchen is stainless steel.  We were holding on until the old white fridge died on us. The freezer went out, so then we bought this beauty.  I know, thrilling stuff.

 Also probably considered mundane to most, Noah went to the eye doctor.  He did really well with all the vision tests and charts, etc.  The dilation drops were NOT well received, nor was waiting another 20 minutes (when you are STARVING) for the drops to work.  But we survived unscathed and the end result was good (no eye patch for lazy eye for now), although Noah would tell you it was disappointing that he did not get the Nick Fury look he had been hoping for.

 There was a trip over to see Leo and Evie at home.  Noah is now a professional baby holder.  

 Could it be?!  A picture with all 4 kids, eyes open, somewhat facing the camera!  Wow.

 Perfection.

 We headed up to the lakehouse for the pre-4th weekend of festivities.  The local Amish restaurant that we love was hosting a family night complete with pony rides.

 We got some quality Uncle Josh time, which is always good.

 On Saturday, the Island folk hosted the annual parade.  This year's theme was Star Wars.

 Jedi warriors wear crocs, right Apryl?

 Noah was able to spent the better part of the morning helping construct and paint the rocket ship float. Sammy had to nap, but maybe next year!  The kids all dressed up for the theme or for the 4th, so it was a fun combo of Star Wars meets Space Creatures meets Patriotic.  It all worked.

 Jeaneen walked with the float and reported that Noah repeated "May the force be with you" to all the parade watchers.  And CJ kept saying "I'm your father!"

 The parade always ends with candy and popsicles.  How can you pass that up!?

 Saturday night they had the fireworks.  We made 12 batches of well buttered popcorn and pulled the pontoon boat up to the Benhart dock and got ready.

 Bats or Birds?

 Sibling love and the sun goes down.

 Staying up 2 hours past your usual bedtime makes some people a little manic.

 Noah and CJ sat together on the dock to watch the show.  Too Cute.

 I messed around with my camera settings to try to get some different shots.

 Apryl brought some cool wish lanterns that we released back from the mainland house after the fireworks.  Purple of course!

All in all it was another great weekend.  We were able to come home and spend the actual 3rd/4th with Daddy, which was wonderful, and went over the Papa's pool!  Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday week!