What a Weekend!

The weekend of July 4th was a busy one to say the least. My nephews, Colin and Kellen were down from Wednesday night on and they got to spend the time with Grandma and Grandpa at the camper. Rylee was so exicted that they were coming she sort of crashed the party for a bit on Thursday afternoon and ended up spending the rest of the weekend there until Saturday when we headed to Balsam Lake for the fireworks. She had a great time, spent almost every waking moment either playing with all the kids there or being the little fish that she is.

Uncle Bill gave the kids some money to buy a treat at the store and all 3 ended up choosing a pair of googles for swimming. They were so stinking cute in them- even though they had the hardest time using them they still had a great time!

Kellen and Rylee being silly! I love the expressions on their faces!

The Three Amigos! Rylee, Kellen, and Colin at Grandma's Lake

5 of the grandkids sitting still for a few seconds to please Grandma and Grandpa for a picture- not an easy thing to get them to sit still for


Rylee loves fireworks even though she refers to them as "the parade". Chris's family was at the fireworks so we all sat together. Rylee lap hopped the whole night, spending time with almost everyone at some point.

Here she is cuddling up to her cousin Paige.

Miss Quinnie enjoying her first time watching fireworks!

Rylee on Auntie 'Cole lap enjoying a caramel sucker from Grandma Williamson

Quinnie and Grandma Williamson watching the ooh ahhs!

Balsam Lake has great fireworks!

They are big, loud, and long. Some of the best in the area I think!

Quinnie couldn't hold her eyes open long enough to see the Grande Finale- I think Grandma has the touch for putting kids to sleep.

I have the same picture of Rylee sleeping on Grandma's lap at this age.

Rylee starting to lose some of her steam. She was following Haley around all weekend and couldn't resist the chance to cuddle up on her lap too! I don't think Haley minded one bit- she's quite the Little Mama in the making!

Another beautiful firework! I have to say I was a little disappointed that they didn't have very many of what I like to refer to as "side show bob" fireworks. If anyone has ever watched the Simpsons, I love the fireworks that look like Side Show Bob's Hair!

After a late night of fireworks we got up and made it to the Balsam Lake Parade in the nick of time. Cousin Naomi, or Nami, as Rylee calls her was crowned Miss Balsam Lake this year so we all made sure to wave and make quite the scene when the float went by.

Quinnie enjoying her first parade! She like the floats that had music playing the best. She was not sure what to think of the fire trucks with the sirens blaring.

Miss rylee sneaking some parade candy before Mom and Dad could say no!

Wow- Grandma sure enjoys having Quinnie on her lap and I think Quinnie enjoys it just as much!

Rylee and Quinnie in their matching dresses that Grandma Bonnie found them. Don't they look super cute! I know the day is coming that Rylee doesn't want to match with Quinnie so we are taking advantage of it while we can!