The girls loved chasing each other around, playing frogs, alligators, and blowing bubbles. Wearing those life jackets made some games really tricky. Bethany is a pro and can float and paddle anywhere she wants to go without tipping over. But Cambrie finally gave up and took off the life jacket in the shallow end. We had to keep a closer eye on her, but she was pretty cautious and much happier about the whole thing.
McKenzie had her first swimming experience and did pretty well. She was so fascinated by the neon green bracelet on her ankle that we had to keep watching her so she didn't dunk her face trying to reach her foot. 
Cambrie went down her first water slide and loved it! Let's face it, I wanted to go down the twirly slide as much as she did. 
And we finished off the day with a grape snow cone. Yea for summer!
She also loved playing "dead." She's really into death right now. The only way to wake her is to give her a kiss. 
McKenzie had her first taste of watermelon and she was in heaven. She just sucked those rinds dry. Luckily all of the cousins ate a lot of watermelon so she never ran out. 
The rest of us were just excited to have dessert before dinner...yummy!
Her favorite parade entries was all of the royalty, and there were a lot of them. She waved at all the princesses and commented how pretty their dresses were. 
One float threw out otter pops. I was holding it for Cambrie but McKenzie won't leave anything alone that is within arms' reach. She had that Popsicle in her mouth so fast I didn't even know what was happening. She sucked on that Popsicle like it was her last meal, she loved it. 
Ah, my goofy daughter....
The weather was perfect and the Highams staked out a great place to watch the parade. We had a fantastic time. I just need to train my daughter a little bit better that it's okay to run in the road and eat random candy that strangers give you...
Cambrie spends her time pushing McKenzie in a stroller down the sidewalk, 
making mini strawberry pies, 
sliding down the big toy on the back porch, 
and popping poppers out front.
We miss you and love you daddy!
When it got dark, all of us cozied up on some blankets and watched the fireworks together. I love seeing what the choreographers can do with music and fireworks. And of course I cried to, "Proud to be an American." I cry every time I hear that song. It makes me realize how proud I am to live in America. We are blessed with freedoms that no one else in the world is blessed with. It is a choice land prepared by our Heavenly Father, and as long as we remember Him we will continue to enjoy our freedom. I blame my super-sensitive patriotism on my parents. My dad made sure that we recognized what a great country we live in, and my mom has spent a lot of her life working in government to help the citizens take advantage of the blessings we have been given. Thanks mom and dad.
This is a classic shot of the girls eating birthday cupcakes. They are all a lot more interested in eating their treat than smiling for the camera. Every one of them would like the frosting off the cupcake and hand the soggy mess back to their mom before reaching for another one.
My mom came and spent a lot of time playing with her granddaughters. 
McKenzie was just happy to be hanging out. She loved the swings.
And here is the best picture I could get of the girls in their Fourth of July outfits. Cambrie just couldn't hold still long enough to sit down with her sister. 
