4th of July Vacation

This year for July 4th holiday we took a trip down to Conroe to spend some time with Michael's folks.   With the new addition to our family, we didn't really plan a vacation this year but this was just as fun!  My in-laws recently moved into a new home and they were excited to share their neighborhood's festivities with us.  We usually take the kids to the pool, grill out and watch fireworks from our car so this was a great change of pace and it sure broke up our summer.   

We borrowed the neighbor's golf cart for the parade.  The kids (especially Ryan) had fun playing in it and decorating it.  What a toddler's dream to crawl around and push buttons and no one told him "don't touch!"

 Great job, kids!  They are looking cute in their new shades.

 Grandma made Hannah a 3-layer vanilla AND strawberry cake.  She asked me what Hannah's favorite cake was and I said vanilla and strawberry (meaning either) and she thought I meant together.  It was DELICIOUS!

 Our proud 8 year old.  

 Everyone piled in ready for the parade.  Ryan obviously wants down, but that's pretty typical these days.

Here they come.  Hannah (in the turquoise hat) is yelling that she wants the candy that the other golf carts are throwing out.  She didn't want to miss out.

 After the parade they had crafts and activities for the kids.  They were first to try out the spin art.

 My little animal lover got to hold a bunny.

 Ready for the Mr. Panorama contest.  Hannah was so excited for her brother to compete.  She was too old and we thought she'd be disappointed that she couldn't participate, but she wasn't at all.  She was so encouraging and helped him every step of the way.

 Luke's competition in the 3 & 4 year old division.   The judges couldn't deny that red hair.

 Sister gives a hug telling brother she thinks he has this in the bag.

 And the winner!  Luke's first trophy...and staff...and sash..and crown. HYSTERICAL!  

 Charline got us all matching shirts - family picture turned out cute!

 Then we all headed out to the water area.  Ryan loved splashing in the jumping tunnel thingy.

 A very cool bubble area!

 A little boy's dream.  Water AND bounce houses!

 Ryan spending some time with his grandparents at the pool.  

 Always cheerful and dancing even in the baby pool.

We taught Hannah how to play Clue and she loved it just as we did as kids!  Sooo fun!!  Grandpa taught her how to play Monopoly later that week (after we left her at Camp Conroe).  Grandpa said she could be a real estate tycoon.  Ha ha!

One afternoon Michael and I took the big kids out for lunch and bowling without little brother.  They enjoyed the extra attention from us both.

We saw the Astros play at Minutemaid Park....an amazing ball park!

Lukie's second baseball game, first game to make it thru all 9 innings.

This boy is loved!

Hannah cheering her heart out.  She's a competitor even as a spectator.  LOL!

Fireworks show at the end of the game.

 The kids set up a lemonade stand on the golf course.  We only had a few customers, but still fun for them.  

 Come and get your "Best Tasting, Very Good Lemonade and Enjoy!"

 Grandpa fixed the swing! 

We really enjoyed all the butterflies and plants in their newly landscaped backyard and patio.

Great times!  Happy birthday, America!