Independence Day! [a party]

The 4th of July is one of my favorite summer days, each and every year. This year was spent as most are, sweet quality time with our family. A little boating, a little swimming in the bay, a little partying, and a lot of fireworks. It was perfect. 

Here are the pictures I took at my sister's huge 4th of July party. It was such a blast and the food was sooooo good! I ate way too much. ;) 

We brought a massive box of fireworks along and I'm pretty sure we lit every single one of them as well as a bag brought by another party guest. Our show must have rivaled those downtown. Ha! As you will see, some loved it while others just weren't too sure. Another one for the memory books. 

A Step by Step Guide to Putting Makeup on a 2 Year Old

So little miss Scarlet performed in her first dance show ever, at the teensy age of just 2 and a half. I did not expect her to make it that far to be honest. I brought her to class with me because it was the most convenient for my husband and I as we did the after school switch. So she would come with me to the 3-4 year class and instead of watch, actually participate! It took a little bit of time to get into the swing of it all and more than anything else, be comfortable with not having a drink and a duppy (her little blanket) for an entire 45 minutes. She really did so well and eventually, we moved onto the stage to rehearse our dance and again, she was fine. Finally, our performance was here and she did it! Didn't seem to mind the lights or hundreds of people watching. She was actually completely in heaven.

So here we are, getting this little lady ready for her first show and putting on her makeup. She was so surprised and excited that I was allowing her to have some of my makeup cause I have said on so many occasions that NO, she cannot open my makeup and play with it. ("Peeeeese mama!")

This was an awesome moment as all the boys in our family were standing in the bathroom doorway with iPads and phones, taking pictures and videos of this girl. All so excited for her and proud of her. Heaven!

So here you have it! A step by step photo guide to putting makeup on your 2 year old. ;)

1: We start with a touch of blush on those chubby little cheeks.

2: Then we add some mascara to those long lashes and pray she doesn't cry at all after that (was fine for 1st show but had a tearful moment before 2nd show and had to rescue the face of its black streaks). 

 3: Then simply dot some red lipstick on those tiny lips. 

And finally step back and watch her face glisten with delirious happiness. Now you have a baby face ready for the stage!

Celebrating the 4th of July

We had such an amazing weekend celebrating Independence Day with family and friends. Just as it's supposed to be! I have plenty of pictures to share with you and I apologize for the overload. We just did so much and I had the camera slung across me for all of it. So here we go, starting off in our swimmies and heading out for some boating and swimming. 

Here Scarlet is having a tantrum, wanting to open the little door and walk down the back stairs. And then she fell down onto her knees and stared at the carpet in earnest. At least her tantrum is less crying and screaming and more feelings put into actions in an attempt to interpret the heart's anguish. Bravo darling!

Next we headed to my sister's home for a cookout party. It was awesome! Take a look at all the fun details and what a blast those kids had. :)

First smoke bombs and then the fancy stuff. 

Next, bubbles and sparklers. 

Here Uncle Joe was singing Jude's song (Hey Jude) which led to huge grins and caused the little man to dance with all his might, something his buddy Edward found very funny. 

Scarlet preferred to make tea and watch from afar. 

And finally back to the boat, where we snuggled under pillows and blankets with popcorn in hand, watching the fireworks anchored close by. Scarlet fell asleep between Phil and I about 25 minutes into the show and little E fell asleep on the boat ride back. The big boys were glassy eyed though pretended that they were ready to stay up till midnight if we'd let them. I don't think they would've lasted … all that sun makes kids so wonderfully sleepy. Who am I kidding, mamas too. 

And that's it! Didn't attempt any fireworks pictures cause I just figured they would never come close to the real thing. :)