'merica!

We celebrated Joshua's first 4th of July with all kinds of activities.  The festivities began on the 2nd with fireworks at Uncle Bob's friend, Phil's house.  Although Andy and I enjoyed them, Joshua was not a big fan. They were very bright and loud which made him squint and jump with each boom.  After going into the garage, he was a bit more calm but still clung to me with every muscle in his little hands and legs.  On the 4th, we headed to Kirkland for the parade, but Mom and Dad had an "oops" and we showed up and hour and a half before the parade began.  We went into the Kirkland Family Restaurant to get some breakfast and keep cool before the parade started.  The parade began and I was amazed at the number of fire trucks that were there!  As I sat with my hands over Joshua's ears, I was in awe at the long line of honking, squealing, siren blowing trucks.  It was very hot and sticky that day but Joshua did pretty well and kept cool by sucking on ice and the bottom of water bottles.  After the parade we went home to cool off and rest before the rest of the day's activities.  However, once Josh got a bath he was content playing with his toys until Andy's parents and Bob came over for a BBQ.  They left after dessert and then Josh felt it was a good time for a nap.  We were nervous about how he would react to the fireworks, but felt he'd be OK since we were going to our friend Joanna's aunt and uncles house.  He did very well!  We had great seats and didn't have to lie on the football field.  Plus we had the house right there in case Josh started to get fussy.  There were no breakdowns and the fireworks were amazing!