Happy 4th of July

We had a great 4th of July this year. Scott had Fri-Sun off from treatment (though he was still on oral antibiotics) so we really enjoyed sleeping in for 3 days and spending time with the boys. We visited Grandma on Friday afternoon and she was doing great. We got her an Independence day surprise (an ice cold Dr. Pepper) and stayed for about an hour. On Saturday we went to the Prairie Village 4th of July celebration a few blocks from our house. We have decided that VillageFest is the BEST family event we have ever been to! We got up at 8am and got to the park by 8:30 to see the Chinook helicopter land. It was so cool! It flew right over us and then slowly made its way to the grassy hill to land. As it got closer to us the water and mud on the ground started flying and we were almost blown away. It was awesome!! I actually caught Noah during the excitement.

We could hear it before we could see it and it was awesome!


We were blown away by the power of the blades! One poor lady was blown over and hit her head. It was so powerful! Can you see the mud flying?


It's still windy but getting better as it's about to land. I think Noah swallowed some mud too. :)


We toured the helicopter...


Dreamed of being in the military and flying...


Lucas told the pilot that he was going to be in the military some day...and the army pilot recommended the air force...It was so awesome to see, hear and feel this helicopter! It was a great start to our day.

Next we went to the climbing wall. Eli wasn't sure he wanted to do it but he joined the other two and they all three did a great job! I could not believe how high they climbed!!

Three nervous boys...

Noah was a little monkey! Do you see all the adults watching him? Daddy and I were so proud! All the adults came over to the left side so they could see the "kid" who was at the top.




Lucas was second and he got up to the third section. He wavers between a daredevil and a keep-your-feet-flat-on-the-ground type of person...but he conquered some fears and had a good short climb.

Eli was the most nervous of the three but once he got started he was on fire. He did such a good job and daddy coached him on foot holds on his way up. We were so proud of him! When we walked away from the tower, daddy and I were beaming with pride! The boys had a great time climbing and wanted to do it again. After the rock wall, we got in line for the Bike Rodeo. Head Strong for Jake & the KU Hospital were giving away bike helmets to the first 350 kids to sign up. The boys each had their bikes inspected, fixed (tires, bolts and whatever needed help) by Trek America, got fitted for a new helmet and participated in an obstacle course where they learned bike safety, signals and etiquette. After the 40 minute bike rodeo we joined daddy who was trying to cool off in the shade.

We enjoyed the petting zoo & saw a kangaroo...


Then we headed over to see Mr. Stinky Feet. Scott has been friends with Jim & his wife Jeni for about 10 years and we try to catch their show whenever we can. We are planning a dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Stinky Feet in the coming weeks so I'll let you know how that goes too.

After watching some of the show and getting balloon animals, we headed back home so Scott could rest. He really struggled being at the park in the heat and humidity but he enjoyed spending time with the boys outside. I am always so proud of his attitude. He is always more worried about those around him and doesn't show how much pain he is in. He is such an amazing man! Eli, Lucas and I decided to go back to the park while Scott rested at home in the AC with Noah.

The boys played a game with the water hoses at the Fire station. They had to aim the water spray at the barrel and try to push it to the other side...the poor fire fighters stayed in those chairs all day long...


Lucas has a great aim...which helped him beat Eli.


Eli wanted to spray Lucas and bypass the barrel but he practiced self control and kept it aimed at the original target..though we found out later that Lucas had the very same thought! I'm sure the fire fighters would have loved that!


After getting soaked with the hoses we got some free lemonade on our way to the inflatable water slides. They really bounced their way down the slide and Eli was so fast I didn't capture the moment...but they both enjoyed landing in the pool at the bottom.

After all that fun we enjoyed a delicious lunch of hot dogs, baked chips, gatorade and a world famous brownie. On our way to the car we tried one more water game where they got to put out a fire with the water hose. They both enjoyed learning how to use the water hose and now Lucas is wavering between being a Police Officer & a Fire Fighter when he grows up. The cool firetruck may seal the deal though...

That self proclaimed World Famous Brownie was as big as the paper plate and so yummy!

Happy 4th of July!!

We had a great day of family fun at VillageFest and will definitely go back next year! It was the best FREE family festival we have ever been to. The lines were short and the activities were everywhere. What a great way to celebrate the 4th!