Fun on the 3rd and the 4th

Sorry to see a great 4th of July weekend come to an end.  We started on Saturday night with a cookout at the Belland's, then fireworks in our culdesac.  It was so relaxed and easy.  New neighbors were in the process of finishing up their kitchen remodel, so they could move in for good today.  They have a teenager who was not with them, and a 4 year old son Alex, who was.  Michael bonded with Alex immediately, and I can see this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.  So neat that the three of them will start Kindergarten together, in Fall of 2011. 

Last night we went to the picnic at church, which has a view of the Roswell Fireworks.  It was a great show, but trying to keep track of Michael and Emily in the crowd of several hundred was not relaxing at all.  I knew I could count on Emily to be on the playground, but Michael could be anywhere.  Just find the family with the best cupcakes, sparklers, glow bracelets, etc.....that's where he was.  The Mayor was working the crowd, and I was tired of losing him in the crowd.  Next year we think we might just up the ante on our own neighborhood show, and forgo the big display.  

                      My crew before heading down the street.

                       Sylvia, with her marvelous margarita machine.

            Terry and Michel, working hard.  Really, they were grilling, can't you tell?

                                               I got a sparkler! 

My favorite shot of the night.  My husband lined the kids up and told them the rules of fireworks.  Necessary for 4-8 yr olds, but don't they look thrilled?

          Here's what they were really thinking during Terry's speech:

Michel entering the fire zone to start the show.  Loved the cones, the kids never tried to cross them.  Even several neighbors were scared to cross them...

                         Little kids: Alex, Emily, Kaylee and Michael

                             Big kids:Haley, Sophie, Hanna, Colby

                                            Grand finale!