Happy Birthday, America!

We had a relaxing 4th of July, which consisted of nice weather, good company, great food, and awesome bull riding! Mom and Chrissy arrived late on Thursday evening. Emmett got a surprise when I opened his door at 6 a.m. and was greeted by Holly, mom's dog. "Hi Howwy! Where's Gwammy?!" I held Emmett off for about 15 mins before he ran to the basement to see who was here. I guess he sneezed outside Mom's door and that's how she knew she was being spied on. Nothing like an early wake up call from the cutest boy on earth!

Friday was really great for me since Luke watched Emmett while Mom and Chrissy and I went to a movie, The Proposal, and dinner at Shiki. It's been awhile since I have been out with the two of them. The movie was good(Betty White is hysterical!) and of course the Japanese food was incredible. We came home to Luke just putting Emmett to bed and we all enjoyed the front porch for a bit before heading off to bed.

Saturday morning was a gorgeous, sun shiny day. We have been practicing "Happy Birthday America" for days and on the 4th he would not have any of it. I thought it would be really cute at the parade to wave a flag and shout Happy B-day America! The parade was nice, as always, a bit too long. The attraction this year was the ski lift denoting the opening of the Sleeping Giant ski area this winter! Cheap tickets and close skiing, but not very difficult runs. Should be a great place to teach Emmett to ski, and for me to brush up since it's been awhile! After the parade, we went over to Becky and Frank's home to celebrate with friends. They had a pool for their grandson and had told us to bring Emmett's suit. Once Emmett finally got in, we couldn't get him out! He was in the pool the entire time, minus the quick popsicle break. We made it home for a great nap time for all and then made a nice dinner, followed by a few at home fireworks. Emmett hated the fireworks, so most had to wait til he was sleeping. The fireworks sure were not a grand as they were last year. Not sure if the economy has anything to do with it....

Sunday was a bit warm so we let Emmett play in buckets of water with his squirt guns. We all enjoyed a bit of cold water every now and again. We went to the Extreme Bulls again this year. They were really awesome and Emmett was glued to the action. Seems to be the event we won't miss this time of year. (I believe the event is being televised on ESPN2 on July 19th, if you're interested.) Mom, Chrissy and Holly hit the road Monday morning to head back to Colorado. Mom is soon to return and Chrissy will be back to visit in early August. We've hit the 2 week

countdown......

Pictures: mini pack mules, Mom Chrissy and Emmett at parade, Wilford Bromely-Grand Marshall, with famous artist Harry Jackson-local, ski lift float, daddy and Emmett at parade, Emmett in zebra pool at Becky's, Extreme Bulls-notice Luke's company sign at the back of the shute.