Proud to be an American!

Group shot at Poe's

Our 4th of July weekend was sure to be a blast.  Afterall, we had two of our best friends coming down for the weekend AND we were getting to meet baby Brady for the first time!  We were all excited and had been preparing for their visit for weeks.  Eric, Amy and Brady arrived early on Friday and we had a nice, quiet lunch with them (the boys were still at school!).  The word quiet will not be used again in this entire post.  Kade and his girlfriend, Mary Margaret, arrived on Friday evening.  I mentioned in an earlier post that this would be our 1st time meeting Mary Margaret and exposing her to both of us, our friendship with Kade, and our crazy kiddos.  She was brave to even attempt to survive the weekend.  She did survive and even seemed to enjoy herself most of the time.  I'm not sure what she said to Kade in private about all the chaos (some expected, some truly unplanned) but she kept a big smile on her face 90% of the time and was a huge help with little "O" who was a really big fan!   Best news of all....we all LOVED her and hope we see her again soon!

Friday night we picked one of the finest dining establishments in Mt. P - the Kickin' Chicken - for dinner. Not my 1st choice for guests but it was Eric's only request and it is very kid friendly.  We tucked the kids in and had a great time chatting on the porch and getting to know Mary Margaret (aka telling some of our best stories about Kade and laughing hysterically at with him).  

Saturday morning we headed out to Sullivan's - first stop, lunch at Poe's and then on to the beach.  8 chairs,  lots of towels, 1 baby tent, 1 cooler, 3 umbrellas, bocce ball, football and paddle ball.....just a few necessities to enjoy a good afternoon on the beach!

Uncle Kade chatting with Owen (they both had their own chairs with matching umbrellas)

Owen relaxing in his very own chair....thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Brady's first trip to the beach.

"Mommy's Little Firecracker"

A true testament of how much things have changed....Eric and I met in 7th grade, he was only 4 feet tall and I thought I was way too cool fom him (I was....right?), he finally annoyed impressed me enough to make me cave and here we are 17 years (really?!?!?) spending the 4th together with our families.  We made it though middle school immaturity, high school drama, college years, young adults and marriages, and now thirty-somethings with kids of our own....who may hopefully grow up to be best buds as well!  I can honestly say that I never dreamed I would be planning vacations with that short guy who poked my back to introduce himself way back at Tuttle Middle School....funny how life works out for the best anyway!  

 Brady is already taking after his nap - laid back and snoring!

He really seemed to enjoy every minute of his time - the heat and noise were just what he needed to catch a little nap.  

Half of our group.

My little beach baby who loves the sand and would have crawled all the way to the lighthouse if I hadn't stopped him (over and over and over again!).

Payton loved playing on the beach with the big boys.  He is still talking about jumping the waves with Eric!

After a day at the beach, we headed home to get ready for a night out - kid free!  Miss Rachel and Miss Sarah were coming over to watch Payton, Owen and Brady so the adults could enjoy some quality time for the evening.  

It was a great evening with friends!