Swimsuits and Fireworks

We got very lucky on the 4th of July. Jeremy only had to work a short opening shift! That's the closest to having the 4th of July off he's had in 14 years. As soon as he got off work, we headed out to Alder Lake to spend a little time with his buddy Brent, who's birthday was the day before. The girls and I donned our swimwear. Bear had to live with his jeans rolled up and a tank since his swim trunks were unavailable. Potato got to toddle around and get her feet wet. We had to to hold her hands to keep her from plopping down and ruining her outfit.


The kids found some other kids to play with and they began digging holes in the sand.


I love this shot of Potato. It's so cute!


As the park was closing at dusk, we packed up just after 8pm to being heading back to Tacoma. We wanted to catch the fireworks at Ruston Way, and needed to find a parking spot. After driving for what seemed like forever, we found the absolute perfect spot! It was on a hill (ok, so it's all hills in that part of town) that sloped down facing the water front. Plus, we were just half a block up from the main arterial through Old Town, so our escape would be quick. It was amazing being able to see the fireworks without having to deal with the insane crowd of people down on the waterfront. Plus, we were able to see Seattle's firework show across the water and beyond islands and hills!

We all climbed on top of the van for seating. The dent popped right out. lol


See the smaller orange burst in the lower left? That from the Seattle show. Freakin huge fireworks!



Here is my attempt at a family self portrait. Everybody was in it. Barely. The rest of them didn't have the patience for another attempt.