Dependence Day

Piper was happy to tell anyone about "dependence day." she is REALLY into American flags lately...in fact, when we're in the car, we "collect" them...which means we point them out and try to "win" by having the most. it's pretty fun. i have the advantage of knowing where to look for them and also always being in the front seat, so i usually win. 

anyway, we had a GREAT 4th of July. seriously, one of the best i can remember! we went to dinner with Grandpa and Uncle George and then went over to the Nyholms' for second-dinner, s'mores, and fireworks!

piper rocking her patriotic clothes...she's pretty much in a skirts-and-dresses-only phase right now, so i've been prepping her for the fact that she WAS 100% GOING TO WEAR SHORTS on the 4th of july. because i bought these the end of last summer and there was no way she wasn't wearing them.

hudson trying to get in on the photo action...and piper front-tucking her shirt so you could see the bow on the front of her shorts.

she wanted to pose with the flag, but then decided it was too hot and sunny out, so she looks pretty grumpy here

Hudson playing with maverick. this is the first time i can think of that he has really shown an interest in Maverick, but luckily maverick is a really nice dog and didn't seem to mind hudson's pestering.

fireworks/sparklers time! piper was really into it this year.

letting Erik light her sparkler 

hudson was very unsure about all of it...it probably didn't help that he was totally exhausted by this point...in fact, he fell asleep DURING fireworks.

family picture courtesy of Jenny. seriously, every time i look at this picture it makes me so happy! We sure love spending time together and with our friends!