an all-American week.

Having 4th of July in the middle of the week has completely screwed me up. I'm so confused what day it is, where I'm supposed to be or what the heck we are doing! But, thank goodness the weekend is here and even though I have to work we'll return to some normalcy after a fun week away. 

Monday we were able to squeeze in a playdate with friends at the beach, an afternoon playing at the school and evening swim lessons before heading out to the beach house for the 4th. 

 Simon is so "ambitious" about swimming it took 3 lifeguards (besides his teacher) to watch over him. Despite only 1 other kid in his class! He followed directions by holding on to the side of the pool when he was waiting his turn but couldn't help bobbing up and down in the water, blowing bubbles, jumping in like a crazy person and attempting to swim all by himself by the end of the 30 minutes. Everyone was impressed with his comfort in the water and by the end of the night every single teacher was talking about "that kid Simon." Good or bad it was definitely entertaining!

 Matt had to work the next day so me and the kids took off to meet Grandpa and Grandma at the beach house.

 We sent a good morning picture to daddy when we woke up (excuse the tired eyes, this was pre-coffee) and then got ready for a fun day ahead.

 These 2 just adore each other. I'm not sure who was giggling more, Simon or Grandpa. Either way it's always fun to watch their relationship when they are together.

 We headed outside for lunch and then went to the local commons to spend the afternoon at the Farmer's Market, getting snacks and playing at the park.

 Matt was able to meet us for a library visit before having a delicious pizza dinner and heading back to the beach house.

 Simon crashed after a fun day. Ha!

 The next morning I got up for my usual run and enjoyed a quiet morning as the sun rose. Then it was time to put on all our red, white and blue and decorate for the 4th annual neighborhood parade. This has become one of our favorite summertime traditions and the kids really love to participate.

 We made it down there just in time for the local fire truck to start the parade and head down the street. It was more like a neighborhood walk than a parade this year since so many people chose to participate rather than watch and we were all a bit spread out. Either way still fun!

 We spent the afternoon grabbing one more ice cream treat before playing in the yard and getting ready to watch fireworks that night. Only Lucy had the energy to stay up late enough and actually watch the fireworks. The boys went to bed early and never woke up during all the loud booms!

 I had to work early the next morning so Matt spent time with the kids at the beach before heading home. Simon's nap on the couch says it all. Fun week at the beach but it's always nice to come home!