Very Busy - But Very Fun 4th of July Weekend

We had a very full, but very good 4th of July weekend. It was all about spending time together with family and friends and it was much needed. Even though it was busy, it also felt relaxing as well, which was very nice for us since we are usually just going and going. It probably helped that we had three days off (what a difference an extra day makes) and I was also off at noon on Friday so I used the couple extra hours to get several errands done and out of the way AND still got home early enough to get the kids 2 hours early! Thank you HHW!

Our weekend started with a day out with just Melanie, Mark and I. Mark's parents were generous to give us their Lion King tickets so that we could take Mel to see the play and to have some special time with her. They also treated us to lunch and we ended up going to Newport Bay down on the Willamette River. Mel tried halibut fish and chips (me too!) and LOVED it. We got to walk around the dock and feed the fish and ducks and it was just a good time. We will definitely have to go back with John and walk the waterfront down there - it was so pretty and family friendly. Next - off to Lion King!

It was crazy to realize that Lion King the cartoon came out when I think, I was in high school and that Mel has never seen it! I had to explain it to her but she seemed to understand the play and loved it. We had awesome seats looking right down the middle towards the stage and were on the end isle - Papa's the best!

Photo ops on the water

Finally - 4th of July!

The morning was a bit chilly and we had guests coming, so we tried to just have a low key morning and afternoon on Sunday, the 4th since we knew it was going to be a busy night. We got up and went to Farmer's Market and gorged ourselves on berries, donuts and popcorn. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning, scrappingbooking, napping and just hanging out. James, Dori and Issac got to our house about 3:30 and soon after we had a yummy dinner. Afterwards we dragged the chairs, margaritas, fireworks and fire pit out into the alley and some of our neighbors/friends joined us. We had all chipped in for some good Washington fireworks. While we waited for the sun to go down we roasted smores and just enjoyed the time. John went to bed at normal time (we are such party poopers!) and thankfully slept through the entire night. The rest of us - including all the kids - we were up 'til 10:30. They were exhausted and sugared out, but it seemed like a successful night. Another typical, fun evening in the alley. Best of all - we were able to pack up, close the garage door and walk into our house and go to bed! Ahhhh - the best!

As you can see John was in sugar heaven, smores, Popsicles, Capri Suns...man alive!

Just chillin'

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

And at last - Monday

The Zoo! We haven't gone to the zoo often and haven't been for almost 2 years because Mel had always just run. Literally. She didn't stop for long at any one place. But, we were home, it wasn't the greatest weather and we wanted to do one more thing before the weekend was over with just the kids and for the kids, so the zoo it was. After the 4th and our late night, the kids actually slept later than normal, still up by 8:30 though (before 7 is the norm!). So, it kind of felt like a very easy going morning. I even let Mark sleep in! He owes me! :-) After we were all up and showered we headed to the zoo and I am glad we went early. The parking lot was pretty empty and even better, we were able to walk and look with plenty of room and minimal shoving. Mel actually seemed to be interested in the different exhibits and animals and it was nice to just leisurely walk and enjoy the zoo. John even seemed amazed at the huge sea lions, polar bears and hippos. A couple hours went by and John fell asleep, we were tired and ready to head home.

It was a good weekend for sure. Got home, took naps, watched a movie, went out in the sun for a bit when it finally came out - I even got some scrapbooking done! Can't wait for next weekend!