Independence Day Weekend

One holiday that we definitely missed celebrating the past 2 years has been the 4th of July. We decided this year to make the most out of Andy's 4-day weekend by driving up to visit my parents. The girls were quite excited to be able to go to grandma and grandpa's house. On the way up there (which is a 5-hour drive) we unveiled the DVD player in the van. Let's just say it was very anticlimactic. I guess everyone has DVD players now and what's the big deal? Andy and I just had to laugh it off. But Rachel did enjoy a few shows on the way up and the way back home. Audrey's still not into TV at all, so it didn't make much of a difference for her.

Anyhow, we got up to my parents' place Friday afternoon and all enjoyed a little afternoon nap. Grandma and Papa were still at work. Once everybody woke up we had to check out the playhouse that Papa had gotten all set up for the girls. They definitely enjoyed playing in there throughout the weekend. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of them doing so, but there will be another time...

Saturday morning started off with one of many tractor rides. The girls had quite the accommodations in the trailer hooked on the back. And this is what happens when it's super-humid and your lens fogs up, but it's the only picture where both the girls are cooperating:

A princess fishing pole had been purchased for Rachel and she put it to use that afternoon.
Look at that concentration!

After practicing on the dock Andy, Rachel, and Papa headed out in the boat. Unfortunately there wasn't any success that afternoon, other than a fishing pole getting broken (luckily not the princess one)!

But that evening from about 7-7:45 they caught about 6 fish. They just do catch and release, but Rachel sure did have fun fishing with her daddy and papa. She's so excited, she's clapping:
Tickling the fish:

Rachel was the only brave girl to brave the mosquitoes. My mom, Audrey, and I were hanging out inside that evening. Audrey feel asleep quite quickly that night, but Rachel was still up when the fireworks started next door. So, we let her watch with us through the sliding glass door until about 9:30. We enjoyed quite a show! We figured that would be it for the weekend, but they wowed us again the next night.

The girls in their 4th of July shirts on Sunday afternoon:

After church we all enjoyed naps and then a traditional 4th of July barbecue. Hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade potato salad, and watermelon. Yum...

Audrey giving me snuggles:

Taking some pictures out on the dock before the sun was gone for good:

We then made ourselves comfortable sitting in the boat while Andy put on a little firework show for us. Although the neighbors definitely outdid us. So, eventually we retreated to the indoors again (where it was much cooler and there weren't any mosquitoes) and enjoyed another show by the neighbors. The girls hanging out in the boat before we headed inside:

Before we headed home Monday afternoon Rachel took 2 things very seriously: 1) helping her papa with some yard work and 2) singing "Happy Birthday" to her papa before we left. Rachel was so excited to having a working hat that she could sweat in:

Once Audrey saw Rachel with a hat, she had to have one too:

Everyone, while the girls and my dad, got to blow out candles that afternoon. We even sung "Happy Birthday" in Dutch as well. I think that is a tradition that we will keep forever....

When we called my dad two days later, on his actual birthday, Rachel was upset because she figured Papa would be enjoying cake without her. Luckily he quickly informed her that he had already enjoyed his cake when she came to visit.

We definitely enjoyed our quick weekend trip to my parents'. It's always a place that we enjoy visiting and just relaxing. The girls love being spoiled by their grandparents and love all the fun adventures they can have there. Between fishing, boating, tractor riding, and playing with all the toys grandma collects; they don't miss home for one minute... Mom and Dad, thanks for a fun-filled weekend! :)