Happy 4th!!

Better late than never, right?  I realize we are way past the fourth, but there was not enough time to post between the 4th and our departure to Colorado, so I'm a little behind.  On the 4th we made our annual drive over to G-ma and G-pa F's house to celebrate.  You can't really tell who is who in this picture but it gives you an idea of the party that took place.  There was probably another 10 or so people not in the picture.  It was a good time!

At first Zoe was running all over the place visiting as many people as she could, but before long she found comfort on the floor inside.

Ava talked Uncle Brad into striking a few poses with her.  There were a number of poses but these were my favorite...

Gavin spent a little time in the big pool with G-ma and G-pa C, who made the trip into town.  

However, he preferred the baby pool set up in the shade.

Ella spent a majority of her time with Ashton.  They were either floating in the pool, jumping on the trampoline or riding scooters.  When those two are around each other they are inseparable, it's pretty cute! 

We enjoyed spending the day with family and friends and then headed back home before the fireworks.  Ella still does NOT like fireworks at all.  She kept saying "I hate fireworks! Why do people like them?  They're too loud".  Ava and Dan did go out for a short while in the neighborhood to catch a few, and this was the first year Ava didn't require ear protection. We are making progress!  Gavin would probably like fireworks, but due to his age and short nap....he went to bed.  It was a fun filled day and hopefully we can repeat it next year!!

In other news, after eight years in this house we FINALLY added a deck!!  It is SO nice to be able to open our back door!!  It is not completely done yet, we are still waiting on the lighting, but it is functional and I love it!  Bottom view...

 Top view...

The kids, especially Gavin, really enjoys being on the deck.  Although I don't think he enjoys the deck as much as he enjoys opening and closing the door...DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!

We have been working a little more on Gavin's "camera" smile.  It starts off something like this...

and occasionally you can catch one like this.  Not bad, but his eyes are usually closed.

This is more typical...still a smile so I'll take it!

The night before we left for Colorado when I should have been packing, I spent the night putting together our new patio set.  I got it done just in time for us to have dessert before bed!  Ava loves the lazy susan.  She kept saying "Mom can you just put the desserts on here and then we can spin it around and keep taking bites?".  If I didn't know that would turn into a messy 

disaster it may have been worth a try.

Against all odds I did get everything packed and the next morning we were off to Steamboat Springs, CO.  Before we move on to a long vacation post I have a quick update about Ella.  We had Ella's four year check up and I am happy to report she is a healthy happy little girl!  Ella weighed in at 30lbs. (14th%) and she was 3'2" (also 14th%).  So while she is petite, she is still on the charts and on track to be just like her Mommy! She's our pint size princess!!