God Bless the USA...

We had a great 4th of July!

It started out at Granny and Grandpa's house where their neighborhood hosted a bike and trike parade. This is the second year Aniela and Charles have participated and they both loved getting their bikes decorated and all dressed up. Charlie really got creative with a theme for the kids:

All American Cowgirl

Native American Indian

The kids were judged and won first place. Their trophy collection is growing already! Hands down the best part of the morning though was being able to parade behind a firetruck down to a yummy lunch of hot dogs. Then the firemen hooked up the hose and blasted a huge jet of water down the street for everyone to cool off in. With heat indexes reaching 110 the water was refreshing!

Charles and Patrick running towards the water

Aniela with her arms stretched out

Even Zofia welcomed the mist coming off the water

Best puddles ever

The boys played in the curb puddles for the longest time

Were so glad cousins Rebecca and Patrick were in town for the parade this year. It is so fun for the kids. They just love hanging out with cousins.

Impressive display of patriotism amongst today's youth

After a much needed afternoon nap we hit the pool with Babcia and Dziadek for a few hours before grilling out and heading downtown for the fireworks.

We were able to use our friends private property on the East Peoria side which worked out great when you have a 13 month old. Although the real benefit was avoiding the crowds and not having to go super early to claim a spot downtown...it would have been unbearable to be out with a 13 month old in such heat.

Getting ready for some fireworks

Dziadek doing his own pre-show extravaganza

Zoe content in her own little chair and a glow stick

Babcia keeping Zoe entertained at 9:30pm...way past her bedtime

The view was perfect and the kids had fun with our neighbors that came with. Peoria always puts on the best firework show. What an amazing way to celebrate our beautiful nation...so proud to be an American!

My camera takes horrible night pics so it did not do the fireworks justice!

The kids with Megan, Jack and Katie