First Fourth

Jackson and Cullen's first Independence Day weekend was super busy but really fun! On Friday night, we went to the Capital to watch the rehearsal concert. We did this two years ago when we were engaged and I just love it; it's the same concert as the actual one on the 4th of July but waaaayy less crowded. We were able to bring some blankets and snacks and had a really fun time with some friends from church. Two years ago we got to see Dierks Bentley perform which was the highlight for me. This year, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow and the characters from Sesame Street were there. And yes, we got to hear Copa Cabana live, I know you're all just seething with jealousy! And, this year it didn't thunderstorm!!

Here's the view from our seats, it may seem crowded but this is nothing compared to what it looked like the next night!

Here's our view of the stage, if you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see Aretha Franklin singing the National Anthem, how cool is that?!?! ?

We watched most of the performance on the giant screen above the stage

Here we are two years ago, a little over a month before we got married (I'm glad Brandon didn't wear the same shirt to the concert this year- how funny would that have been though?)

And here we are two years later, a little more tired, a little less tan and glamorous but with the two BEST little babies anybody could ask for. I love my family!!

Mommy and Jack

On the 4th, we had a picnic in the park near our house with some friends from church but we somehow forgot to take any pictures, darn! We had a delicious all-American meal of burgers, grilled chicken, potato salad, cornbread, watermelon, homemade lemonade and cherry pie! It was so good and it made me really jealous of people who have barbecues! I feel like I'm missing out on one of my favorite parts of summer without burgers and grilled veggies. Maybe somebody with a grill will read this and invite us over for a BBQ? ;-)

After our picnic, we went home, let the boys take a nap and then headed out again to try and see the fireworks from the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was one of those things that I'd never attempt again and, had I known how difficult it would be, probably wouldn't have gone through with, but was glad we did once it was over. We circled the streets for over half an hour looking for a parking spot, had to park several miles away, strap the boys on in Baby Bjorns and powerwalk for about 30 minutes to get there in time but we did it! We may have been out of breath but we made it with about 15 minutes to spare. We squeezed into a small gap on the lawn and settled in to watch the fireworks. The boys watched most of the show and Jack decided about halfway through that that was the opportune moment to have a massive blowout in his diaper but it was still really special for us to take them to see the fireworks on their first 4th of July. I'm already excited for next year!

Here's Brandon and the boys waiting for the fireworks to start. Thanks Nana and Aunties for the cute, patriotic outfits!!

Jack

Cullen watching the fireworks