The 4th of July: Part Two

Once Knox woke up from his nap (and us as well), we headed down to the M streets to hang out with our college gang.  Brian recently got a house, so we have been down a few times to enjoy the extra space.  He decided to smoke some meat in his birthday present from Amanda, so we had to get down there!  

The Fiji's discussing meat.

Smoker extraordinaire

It was still quite balmy, so Brian turned on some sprinklers to water the grass.  The guys decided to run through them with Knox...he had so much fun!!

Such fun.  I think Swaim might have enjoyed it more than Knox!

Once the meat was done, we chowed down.  The pork shoulder and brisket were awesome!

Of course the dudes had to light some fireworks.  I was panicked the cops were going to come the entire time...my how times have changed.  I'm such a nervous nelly now!

A "4" for the fourth!

Brian's upstairs roommate had jumbo jenga.  We had a great time playing, and dominating (thank you, Amanda!).

Then the Whites got there and we lost Knox.  He and Madison had so much fun playing, eating ice cream and chasing/riding on Andrew Dino:

After a sweet kiss night night, we headed home to a much-needed bath and bedtime.  Knox did the same :)

I hope you all had a great fourth, and were able to spend the day reflecting on the true meaning of our freedoms, and the lives lost to protect it.  

The 4th of July: Part One

Our neighborhood puts on a 4th of July parade every year.  It starts in our commercial center, wraps around the major roadway in the 'hood and ends at the country club, where the kids are given sno-cones and bounce houses to tire them out.  We've enjoyed the parade while living here, but this year was a little different.  Stephen and Knox were in it.

Let me backtrack a bit.  Stephen joined the Canyon Creek Crushers softball team this past year.  Many of our favorite neighborhood husbands also play, so it's been a fun mid-week 'man time' for him.  This past season they won the "national" league championship.  They were so excited, and are still kind of on a softball high.  

Last night they had one of their last games before the playoffs.  They played the team they beat in the championship last season, and won.  This spawned an idea.  The parade was the next day...why not have a Crushers float.  This meant that I was awake early yesterday morning making banners while Stephen bought candy...but it was so fun.

Their team sponsor is Brunelli/Fluellen Dentistry.  Nick Fluellen plays on the team, and his wife was kind enough to not only sponsor their new jerseys, but they borrowed her giant tooth as well :)  Too funny.

  

The kids got to ride in the truck...they were in heaven!

Softball Wives

The Whites came out to join the fun.  Madison loved grabbing candy and beads from the floats!

The dudes en route

Our neighborhood has a band, "The Grateful Dads."  They played great songs the entire parade, and for the after party!

My favorite.  How clever?  The kids in front had a baby pool to wet the sponges.  The kids watching the parade got to run up and take a shot...loved it!

And how cute is this?  There was a big and little Elvis, and a group of parents playing poker on the back.  Too cute!

The champs!

"Cheese."

Our family

Madison loved the bounce houses

Claire and Knox loved the popsicles.  It was balmy.

On the way home, Knox kept covering his eyes from the sun.

And Claire just gave up. 

We had so much fun.  We decided to head to the pool before naptime, and he wore himself out.  We had a great first half of the day, and looked forward to Brian's for some smoked brisket and pork shoulder to end the day!

Wrights in Austin

We just got back from another trip down to Austin.  Can you tell we love it there?  It's kind of a yearly tradition now to go with the Wrights.  You can see how much the kids have grown since last year (here).  Crazy.  While there I was able to get my car. and it was a great reunion...I've missed my wheels. 

On Friday night, we headed to the Hill Country Galleria for some food (and margs) and play.  The kids loved being able to run around, and the girls even played cars with Knox.  He was in heaven!

We ended the night with some fro-yo!  The girls are so good with Knox, helping him cross the street and holding his hands while walking.  He loves older kids, so it was a perfect combo!

When we woke up Sunday morning, the kids got to watch some cartoons while the adults made breakfast.  Knox apparently couldn't take his eyes of Mickey.

Always the helpers, Ella fed Knox his food.

And he in turn fed Gracie.

We spent the rest of the day (10am-4pm) by the pool.  We grilled burgers and hot dogs outside for lunch, and lounged all day.  It was amazing.  I'm so bummed I didn't get any pictures, but I assure you a good time as had by all.  Then we watched the sunset and had an amazing dinner of tenderloin and grilled veggies.  Yummo.

Sunday morning was our last day.  We made some biscuits and eggs for breakfast, and Knox got a little carried away with his half.

On our way out, we decided to hit up the Capitol.  Shannon wanted the girls to see it, and since Knox had never been I thought it was a great idea.  Of course, a photo shoot ensued. 

Ella and Maren at the entrance

The Wrights

The Dotsons

Looking into the dome

On the crest

Michael giving the girls a speech about GB

the kids in the chamber room

All of the kiddos on the crest.  Knox seems thrilled.

We ended our trip on South Congress eating at the food trucks.  It was a bit warm, but a great time!  

We had such a fun trip.  Can't wait until next year :)