Fourth of July

I'm going to get a little out of order on some posts, because I want to post about the Fourth while it's still sort of relevant.  Or not.  You know what I mean.  :)

This was the first year in forever that we didn't go to Bandon and I was pretty sad about it.  (I've already found a family to adopt us for next year.  Thanks, Peters family!  :)  Anyway, after the fact, we heard from more than one person that they figured we were out of town for the Fourth. 

So, on the morning of the Fourth, we still had no plans.  We ended up going out to Stayton to watch the parade.  Judson was a little unsure of the sirens and horns at first.  He settled right in once candy started raining down.  :)

Entertaining Cooper before the parade got to us.

He insisted all of his candy go in the same pocket.  Eventually it started falling out and he reluctantly let us put some in the other pocket.

Bulging pockets

 We went to Paul and Becky's in Scio (about ten minutes away) for a BBQ afterward.  It had been a very long time since we'd been out there, and Judson was thrilled to play with all of his toys there.

I couldn't resist.  :)

Talking on his phone.

Bubble gun

Grandma made pink cupcakes especially for him.  The last time they were together, he saw a picture of a cupcake on the back of a bag of Splenda or something and said, "I'll have a pink cupcake when I'm done with my dinner."  He was THRILLED to actually get a pink cupcake this time.  :)

Jumping off the porch...pretty daring for him!

A little nervous about the fireworks

First sparkler (ever)

After our (very) mini fireworks display, we headed back to Stayton to watch their big show.  Both kids were awake for it and seemed to really enjoy it.  It definitely wasn't the same as watching them light up over the Coquille River in Bandon, but it was a good show.  In fact, multiple times I said to Judson, "Okay, I think this is it," only to have them keep going and going.  Eventually, Nate said, "Don't even say it," when a big round would go off.  :)

All in all, it was a great day.  And the best part was that Nate decided to take Thursday and Friday off too, so the fun continued.  :)