July 3rd is always the night that Garner does their fireworks display at Lake Benson. Luckily, we can see it from the deck. Lake Benson always has a ton of activities throughout the day along with bands that play and it is always a nightmare just attempting to get to Lake Benson, even though its 2 miles from the house.
We cooked out and Chris had fun playing around with his own fireworks. As you can see, the Pepsi can didn't last long. The girls enjoyed the display though, as well as the neighbors in the cul-de-sac.
The girls didn't do much more than sparklers, but they had enough to last them for awhile.
July 4th we headed to Chris' house because we have a front row seat for the Fairgrounds fireworks that Raleigh sets off. We cooked out and had more fireworks, of course!
Lauren made brownies and had to add the 'flare'. Needless to say, everyone loved them. I think she gets her creative side from me! Allison made an awesome Hershey Bar Cake, all by herself. Even including the icing. It was wonderful. Wonderful to the point where everyone was fighting over taking some home.
The cupcakes we got from Sams. Didn't like them as much as the ones we got last year. The cake part of it didn't taste as moist. Should have used Ramey's recipe, but with everything else we were trying to get done, I thought this would be quicker. Next year, we may still get some from Sams but I may also make some as well.
I made gift bags for all the kids, so that each of them had their very own fireworks to let off. We took Allison's old bike to give to Chase. It was a little different from the last one he had, so we had many attempts at getting him around the yard before we attempt to let him ride solo. But after many laps, I think he was finally getting it. Since I am his personal RN, he, of course, wanted me to help him around the yard. I really think it was just in case he broke a leg, that I could fix it! You can also see his new hair-cut. Thats a whole other story...but lets just say that he should invest in some hair gel for the next month! ha ha
The fireworks were great. Never long enough! I filmed a video clip of the finale so that Brian could see what he was missing. Brian is stationed in Iraq right now, but if he was home, he would have been there with us!
Daddy Drew & Kennedy....Kennedy loved the cupcakes too. And I think she only got bit by a mosquito 5 times, which we did have Wake County EMS on standby as well as calling Rex to let them know that they should save Room 3, just in case! I think Chris & I will have to notify the lawyer to again place him on retainer. But all in all, Kennedy left with Patsy that night, and while getting in the car, she was still pink, warm & dry and still breathing! I think in a court of law, Chris would not be responsible for anything happening once Patsy pulled out of the driveway!
Heres the clip I sent to Brian! Hope everyone truly remembers why we celebrate on July 4th and don't forget all the service men & women that have and are currently serving our country!
Chase's 6th birthday party was at Adventure Landing. The kids got to play games for about 30 minutes then we headed upstairs to have a party. Kim got cupcakes from ColdStone, which I think ALL the kids loved!
Not sure if you can see, but Chase has green highlights to match the green in his shirt! And of course this face is BEFORE he eats his birthday cupcake!
And this is after! He got lots of presents and the kids went outside to play putt-putt! They also headed out to Lazer Tag and Go-Karts.....I think he was pretty happy with his birthday party!
