July 4th

We celebrated July 4th over the span of a couple of days. Wylie's city fireworks show was on Thursday, July 2nd and this was our second year to go. Carter has been talking about it since we went last year, even though he hid and didn't even watch the show. Every time we drive pass the high school he mentions, EVERY TIME! He was super excited to go again and I bought him ear plugs so it wasn't too loud for him. He seems to have super sensitive hearing and the loudness is what scares him. One of Carter's friends, Hannah and her mom, met us there. We have continued on with one of John's traditions in that we brought popcorn with us. Carter and Hannah shared popcorn and had a great time! Preston seemed to like the show too. There were a couple of booms that scared him but he had a good time.

Then on Saturday, July 4th, we had our 3rd Annual 4th of July BBQ and Homemade Ice cream party. We had a house full! Bill and Beckie, my mom and Ken, Robert and Vickie, Grandad, and Paul and Brittany. John grilled hot dogs and we had pasta salad and watermelon. Then we made homemade vanilla ice cream. Bill and Beckie bring over their ice cream maker and everyone takes turns cranking it. Sure, we have an electric one but it is a lot more fun when everyone cranks. This has been my second year in a row to be exempt from cranking due to pregnancy. We did do it inside this year which was a huge plus! The ice cream was so good and is my favorite part of the day!!

- Carter sitting on top to hold it down while others cranked

- Carter cranking

- Papa getting Carter his ice cream