Happy 4th of July, Kiddie-pop Fun!

While all the clam bake activities were going on, the smaller set kept busy with everything water, water, water.

Josie and Clara Rose upon first arriving to the clam bake.

Dressed in their Happy 4th of July attire.

Well, that didn't last long-- their fancier duds were soon discarded for their kitty swimsuits-- let the party begin!

Whoa! Cousin Nate can really get some air!

 Time out of the kiddie pool for some slip sliding fun!

 Clara Rose/Cousin Nate collision-- all in good fun.

 It was a water frenzy!

 That's Josie, center stage dressed in pink, doing a water dance.

The slightly older set (a wee bit older set in some cases) took to a game of soccer ball.

 Where are their shoes????

 What better way to end a fun day of play than with a yummy cookie?

Happy 4th of July Clam Bake

Wim's family always has a big New England style clam bake for the 4th of July.  The girls love it-- always a lot of cousins with lots of fun to be had.

It is a pretty big deal so I'll start off with just a few picts of the actual clam bake partion of the day.

Starting the bon fire to heat the rocks.

Manning the fire.

 After the fire burns out, loading the hot rocks, seaweed, clams, and accessories into the metal drum and sealing the top.

 Here comes the steam!

 It sounds like a locomotive coming down the tracks!

 About an hour later-- pulling out the yummy clams and other food.

 No hot dogs for this little girl!

 Clara Rose's snap shot of me with a clam.

 "What do you mean no more clams?!"

"You better give me some more clams!"

"Yeah! More clams!"

The clam benefactor-- Uncle Jack!

Thanks Uncle Jack!

Happy 3rd of July!

On the morning of the 3rd, me and the gurls headed off to a local spray park for some fun in the sun.

In case you can't tell, Josie loves the spray park!

Clara Rose is a bit more cautious, but Josie will take some time here and there to encourage her little sis to try out some of the fountains.

Then she is off and running through the bigger fountains!

Josie refers to this fountain as the spider web.

Clara Rose would run through some of the more tame fountains.

Sitting on a fountain.

Later in the day a few friends came over for more summer fun and then we headed down the road to watch our local fireworks show. They aren't the grandest display, but it is within walking distance-- so no traffic!

Josie admiring her friend Claire's bubble blowing ability.

Funny faces from our friend carly and Jie Jie.

The funniest face of all!

Clara Rose didn't make it to the real fireworks-- as soon as a few folks started setting them off she was ready to go.  Daddy took her home.

Josie was scared at first but settled into my lap and began commenting . . .

Oooooo, that was pretty. That is my favorite. Oh that is my more favorite. That is my better favorite. . . "

You get the idea.

:-D

Happy 2nd of July!

We hope everyone is enjoying thier 4th of July weekend! We are definitely making the most of it in our home.

Saturday we packed-up all the kids and some yummy treats and headed off for a day at the beach! The very first for me and the little gurls.

So after two single time outs for Josie, one single time-out for Clara Rose,  one joint time out for both of them (really that one was for Mommy); a TON of sun block, double checking on sand toys, towels, chairs, the list goes on and on, but I will spare you . . . .

Josie hanging out with Jie Jie on the sun blanket.

Finding interesting sea-things on a walk along the shore.

Clara Rose- footloose and fancy free playing in the surf.

Jumping the waves.

Jie Jie catching some waves- body surf style.

Josie was very excited and proud of her Jie Jie!

Me and Clara Rose playing in the 'biiig waves!"

Jie Jie is holding Josie-- check out her legs!

Josie chilling on the shore.

Ge Ge chilling 13-year old young male style.  :-D

The true tale of a really fun day at the beach!