Adventures with the Ratcliff Family: 4th of July!

We had a nice 4th of July; it was Calli's fifth, Serena's second and Jameson's first! I am finding that with three kids I am not quite the organized person I used to be so some of my things to do have been falling by the wayside (for instance, birthday cards and gifts!! But better late than never I figure right?!). Anyhow, I had been meaning to get the kids their 4th of July outfits and we finally went out to Old Navy the day before the holiday. I thought I might find some good deals on the clearance but they literally had nothing! So we headed over to Kohls and luckily they had a few things and I managed to come away with three cute outfits. I am thinking I need to shop for Halloween costumes NOW so this doesn't happen again ;).

So 4th of July. When I was a little girl my dad used to take my sister and me to a great parade the morning of the 4th. I remember loving it at first, but beginning to hate it over the years. We had to wake up early and get there early to get a seat. But now I want nothing more than to give my kids those wonderful memories, isn't it funny how life works like that? Anyhow I figured in a big city like this there would have to be some kind of BIG parade, but I have been searching three years now and found nothing that compares. Last year we went to kids' parade that Calli participated in and it was pretty lame, but she had fun. I thought maybe we could do that again this year, but we didn't get ready in time. It was supposed to be HOT so when we didn't get out of the house by 10am, we just decided to stay home. No use bringing the kids out so we can all sweat and be miserable while attempting to make memories!

We did get to go over to our friends' house, who live near Sea World and could see the fire works from their backyard. We went over around 7pm and had drinks and let the kids run around in the backyard in a pool and have fun. Before we knew it it was 9:15pm and the fireworks show was starting. We sat to watch and had some tired babies. Serena was captivated by the show at first and it put her to sleep in my arms. Jameson ate his bottle and drifted off as well. All three were asleep on the car ride home!

So it was a fun day. I just wish it wasn't so dang hot! Despite the fact that it has been eight years since I've lived in my childhood home, I keep thinking each 4th of July "we should bring sweatshirts". Growing up we had a fabulous 4th; there was a block party in our cult-de-sac with bbq and fireworks and my best friend! Oh and blankets and sweaters because it would get chilly out. That is how I remember the 4th so I have to remind myself that no, we do not need sweatshirts when we go out in the summer here!!

You can see the love radiating from Serena toward her big sister!