Independence Day

I love the Fourth of July!  By that point in the summer, we've settled into school being out, the weather is warm, and we have a great tradition of going to the Warren Parade.   I'm pretty sure the parade is more about candy for the kids than anything else, but we love the scene/vibe and friendship.

Hazey and Estelle assessing the "loot" that they foraged at the parade

Although Bernie wasn't there this year, he sort of was.....

Dancing in the streets!

More dancing

 The parade was a blast and we rounded out the evening with a bbq and fireworks at Cath, Tyler, and Mazzy's.

Three Amigos

Sparkler Fun

One of the items on our bucket list this summer, was for Hazey to hike Camel's Hump on his own.  I'm not sure what we were thinking when we planned the adventure for the day after the 4th of July (when our kids went to bed at 10:30pm), but we went with the plan. Hazey's kind godparents offered to come along for the "schlog"-- that's what it is...... 2.4 miles each way through thick forests and no views until the top).  It was slow, but he did it!

Getting towards the top

Summit boy!

First Family Summit

Lovely Cara & Tom

Mr. Teddy & Sweetie

Summit Fun

 As July 4th is a celebration of independence for America, I feel like this day is a celebration of independence for us.  Everyday, Cal and Hazen show more and more automony.  Hiking a mountain on their own is just one example.  Hazey is picking out his outfits and getting dressed on his own most mornings.  He's going into the chicken coop and getting the eggs, letting the chickens out, feeding Zephy, and even wants to make his own lunches and breakfasts on his own (and pretty much does).  Cal is writing thank you notes without me asking, helping me clean up around the house, and picking out some fabulous outfits to wear each day.

We are still very much in the picture, needed to help in many ways, but this summer has been a turning point.  John and I can mow the lawn while Hazen plays with Legos and Cal makes a fairy house or they both play on the jungle gym.  They are both making huge strides in the swimming pool and we can bike and hike as a family!  Life is good.

We also got to spend a little more time with Baby Maeve, here are some cute shots: