Summer celebrations in St. Louis

We celebrated the 4th this year in St. Louis! Derek was able to get an extra day off so we opted to visit his brother and family for the holiday weekend. We had a super fun time and have some awesome pics to prove it! 

We enjoyed a parade in the morning in downtown St. Charles.

We traveled to the St. Louis fair -- first stop: air show!

Michael's had a fun trailer with crafts for the kiddos. The boys made a pop tab necklace.

And Belle made a crown! She said, "I look like Repunzel!!" :)

Belle and Uncle Brad

We set out our blankets and hung out by the arch!

 We ran into KC friends! Brian, a family friend, married Derek and I seven years ago and here he is loving our little girl! 

All of the cousins!

We enjoyed the fireworks that night and then we had an interesting journey home on the city metro, which proved to be a cultural experience at the least for our kiddos. As much as we think our kids don't listen at times, all of the kids did a GREAT job of listening when it was really, really important in the giant swarms of people!

We spent the rest of the weekend just hanging out and spending time with family! Uncle Brad cooked breakfast and read books to the kiddos.

The kids played in the pool

 And we did a few fireworks ourselves!

We ended the weekend with a trip to the arcade- the kids (and dads) had fun!! 

It was a wonderful little trip away. I'm glad I got to experience the fourth at the arch-- it was something I've been wanting to do for years!!! Spending time with Brad and Mary is always enjoyable and I'm glad to provide opportunities for the cousins to play together! 

Red, White, and Blue Cuteness

My little cuties are dressed to celebrate the 4th of July!

I loooooove celebrating the 4th of July. It's my second favorite holiday (Christmas is number one). We celebrated this year on two different weekends. FUN! The weekend before the 4th, we went to my uncle's house and enjoy the all of the festivities his town puts together.

Grammy and Belle 

(also pictured: Uncle Joel's belly) 

When we walked over to the festival, we went to check out the firetruck and then the Chief asked if he'd like to sit in it and drive! 

Then, Jackson and Laura climbed on numerous inflatables.

 (does Laura look dramatic or what?!)

This ride inspired this tweet: 

Just rode the never ending spinning teacup ride at a carnival. I think I will go vomit now. Oh well, Jackson had fun. #motherhood

Me and the little guy after I'd had a chance to recuperate from the previous ride.

Belle's first "roller coaster" ride with Grammy, Aunt Laura, and Jackson.

Waiting for fireworks with Aunt Ashley

... and with Papa

Belle watched the fireworks with Uncle Joel

Jackson didn't really care for the fireworks (despite loving them at other times). He eventually crawled behind Derek and watched them over Daddy's shoulders.

Life father, like son

Then on the actual 4th of July, we went up to my parents house because my aunt and uncle, along with my grandma were in town! Dad grilled steak and it was deeeee-licoius. 

Belle and Grandma

Me, my sisters, and my cousin Katelyn

Belle and Grandpa Forrest

 (This pic may be a little off centered, but Jackson took it... Not bad!)

Aunt Sharon, Grandma, and Belle. CUTE!

More Belle cuteness

Me, Dad, and Laura- love this pic!

(I don't understand how people could ever think we look alike...)

We went to hang out with some friends after dinner with my parents. Jackson and his buddy James had a ton of fun throwing the little snap firecracker thingies! And I would only let them have one at at time so they were occupied for quite awhile!

It was wonderful to get to celebrate with so many of our family members and friends!

We are so fortunate to live in a free country and in the midst of our super fun celebrations, we of course remembered and were thankful for those serving and who've served in the past to keep this great country safe and free.