Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone! This day of celebrating our independence and our wonderful country never has meant so much. I think every American should have to live for a time outside the USA. It will make you appreciate our great country and the amazing foresight our founding Fathers had to construct the United States government as they did. Of course Andrew and I know it's because it was God inspired. But for 232 years those same documents have continued to stand firm and lead the world's only super power and the greatest country on Earth!

Of course we couldn't celebrate in the usual way this 4th of July. For many years past it seems I am always in Florida for 4th of July. My sister and her kids always come "home" for the summer, so I usually take some time, no matter where we're living, to go "home" too so I can spend time with my niece and nephew. So that means time at the beach or the water park or taking a dolphin cruise through the harbour. It also means fireworks, which usually manage to scare either my niece or nephew or both to death. But it is family and time outside...two of my favorite things. Last year we did all those usual things, but I was pregnant and exhausted and really missing my husband. He was overseas for all of my pregnancy with M&M. But I had just come "home" from a trip to visit him (which explained most of my exhaustion). It was a 22 hour trip back to Florida that turned into a 44 hour trip due to delayed and canceled flights....long story for another time...some of you know it. Anyway, this was M&M's first 4th of July, outside of the womb :-)

The Diplomat Hotel here puts on an extravagant 4th of July spread for the American Embassy every year. Andrew attended last year and raved about the great food. We had been looking forward to the celebration that was actually on the night of the 3rd (Thursday night here is like Friday night in the States...last day of the work week). Well we found out at the last minute that it was not "kid friendly" so we were unable to go. Very disappointing. But I'm sure not the last time we'll be unable to attend or do something because of the kiddos. So, knowing I was disappointed...mainly because I was looking forward to getting out of the house for the first time this week...Andrew took us all to our favorite Turkish restaurant for dinner.

M&M dressed in their 4th of July finest. This is what they were going to wear to The Diplomat, but it was just as good for our dinner out. We go out very little, so I think they really get excited when there is a new place and new people to see.

Michael is so excited to be out of his car seat and chewing on the spoon he grabbed. We took it out of his mouth right before this picture. I know those teeth have to be popping out soon. They both chew on EVERYTHING!

Daddy with his little girl. The yellow-orange nose (it really seems most noticeable in pictures) we just figured out is probably Carotenemia. Apparently very common when babies start to eat solids and apparently caused by the exact foods her diet is full of. I was surprised to learn it's not just the orange fruits and veggies, like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peaches but spinach and beans too. Anyway, hard to avoid but we're going to try to steer clear of some of those for a while and see if it gets better. Jaundice also causes yellow skin, but it seems to be just her nose for now. We'll see...I'm trying not to be the neurotic Mom.

The day of the 4th we spent with our good friends MAC and Jen, who also live in our neighborhood. We grilled out halibut, thanks to their successful Canadian fishing trip a few weeks ago, and BBQ chicken. No fireworks, but still a fun day with friends.

My "Born in the USA" babies. Thanks for the cute T-shirts Pam! Dressed alike you can really tell how much they favor each other. Especially now that their weight difference isn't so noticeable.

In their high chairs ready to eat. This is their favorite thing about meal time...Prissy. They love her and will watch every move she makes and squeal with delight. To the point that Prissy has to go outside when they're eating or they wouldn't eat for trying to watch her.

This is a nice shot of Prissy with M&M. As you can see in the picture they are engaged in their second favorite meal time activity...finding and chewing on the straps to their booster seats!

Every day is a fun adventure with these two but the first year is just priceless. So another first down...just a few more months left of "firsts" and then it's over. But I'm sure that's when the fun really starts....walking, running, talking, fighting over toys, etc, etc......