Happy Birthday, America!

We were pretty low-key for the 4th of July this year. We decided to meet some friends and try to find a parking spot to watch the Tolleson fireworks. We found the perfect spot behind a warehouse--we asked security if we could park there, and they let us if we hid our cars around back. It was great, we had the parking lot to ourselves and an awesome view.

We both popped a bowl of popcorn, made some cookies, and brought drinks. The waiting was even pleasant, because it wasn't too hot out and there was a nice breeze. The kids got a little impatient for the show to start, but the adults had a good time talking and snacking.

Sareny and Ema...neither of whom is looking at the camera.

Finley with a little firework above her head.

Keith held Finley for a lot of it, who spilled Strawberry Crush all down her pajamas.

It is really hard to catch fireworks with a camera. This is the best I did.

We had a fabulous time!

Finley Lynn turns 2!

My sweet little girl turned two on Friday.

She was very excited for her special day. We celebrated by having our friends the Drapers over for dinner and cake and ice cream. We had shredded beef soft tacos with homemade flour tortillas, and it was really yummy. I was pretty busy getting everything ready for dinner, so I enlisted Sareny to wrap Fin's presents. I think she did a pretty good job!

Finley was especially excited to open her presents. She picked up the first one and took a big bite of the wrapping paper.

It was a blur of wrapping paper as she ripped into her gifts, not bothering to check out what was in one before moving on to the next.

Then it was on to the cake. Not decorated fancy, but really yummy. I made a strawberry cake mix and cream cheese frosting with fresh pureed strawberries mixed in. She was so cute and excited while we sang to her.

She blew out the candles with just a little help from brother, although I don't think she needed it. She blew out one and he blew out the other one.

Finally she was interested in her presents. She got a hot pink zhu-zhu pet hamster and this little ramp and slide for it to scamper around on. She also got a cute barbie and baby doll.

She clapped her hands as the pet made it up the ramp.

Later on she was lounging on the floor with her new toys, and it was so cute.

Grandma Nancy had sent Finley a birthday package a while ago, and I forgot to have her open it on her birthday, so she got to open it up the next day. She knew just what to do and was pretty excited. Here she is modeling one of the new outfits grandma sent.

Showing off the cute shirt.

Showing off her dimple.

Showing off her bucky's.

Happy Birthday to my little Finney girl!