Family Fun on the 4th

In light of the fact that I haven't blogged consistently for months, I bring you the following posts.

This past year, July 4th was a Sunday. Holidays that fall on a Sunday always present a special set of challenges as we try to find the balance between keeping the Sabbath day holy and honoring and celebrating traditions that go along with holidays. Since we are usually in South Carolina for the 4th, we decided that we would spend the day with Molly's family since we never get to do that. (Because we are totally hurting for together time. haha.) We planned a family BBQ, play time together, and get a little 4th action by watching the Fireworks display that was visible from the church a couple miles down the road. (Ironic, isn't it?)

Kate took a long walk off a short pier...

Caroline was in charge of the red, white, and blue punch we found in Family Fun Magazine.

Really cool effect. I think it will become a tradition!

Most everything "spectacular" is (was) illegal in Arizona. We can't get firecrackers, Piccolo Petes, Parrot Fountain Sprays, Bumble Bees, Sparklers...nothing! (New laws enacted this year in time for New Year's Eve changed some of it but it varies city to city.)

So We had Party Poppers. Woot.

Molly's culdesac was the perfect place to watch the Fireworks display that was about 2 miles away. I love these cousins. We are so excited that we are *this close* to signing a contact to build a home in their neighborhood!

I love this pic- I think Caroline is trying to help Kate be excited. Not sure it is working.

My epic fail of the day. I made yummy cupcakes adorned with cupcake toppers courtesy of The TomKatStudio My frosting apparently was too thin and just slid off the cupcakes. Quite a mess. And I tried so hard to make them cute...

We look like cows. Free food, please!

In light of the fact that I haven't blogged consistently for months, I bring you the following posts.

We ♥ Chick-fil-A; who doesn't? Last July, Chick-fil-A celebrated Cow Appreciation Day by offering any customers that come to the restaurant dressed as a cow a free full meal of their choice. It was mid July and by this point, we are climbing the walls, antsy to do something, anything, because we are so dang hot, and stuck at home. Molly and I decided it would be a great time for the kiddos and free food is a great bonus.

The girls and I made sandwich boards for the kids that said "Eat More Chikin", I made some cow ear headbands for everyone, and while the kiddos were in swimming lessons, Molly and I cut out tons of black and white spots to stick on everyone's clothing.

Honestly, we felt like quite a sight walking into Chick-fil-A. We weren't the only ones dressed as cows, but certainly in the minority.

But the Simpson Girls were ready for free grub, no matter who was lookin'!

The kids got to pose with the Cow, of course.

Someone, the one who loves cows (in theory) is terrified of cows in person.

Lindsay and Hayden, when asked to make their best cow face, gave me this.

Yes, I saved all our cow paraphernalia. We figure this will come in handy again...sometime!

Now we are talking pixie!!

Caroline really wanted her hair shorter. It is no secret that I am a big fan of girls with short hair. Done it a few times myself. So when she said shorter, we hit the web and google images looking for inspiration.

Here is the before:

Chin length, a-line bob, stacked tight in back.

After...

Very short with some longer pieces around the top and front. But it is too long in places for her to deal with well. And Caroline was just not up for fussing with her hair. I wasn't up to fighting about it either. So...

I suggested we call Karen and go even shorter!

Ahh....love it!! Super short, more texture, choppy pieces. Just a little hair putty and it is sassy and spiky and super fun! Just like my cute little Caroline.