4th of July

4th of July usually equals two things, Randy's birthday and spending time on the water in Pensacola, FL. Randy turned 31 this year. Since it is his birthday, Randy thinks it is important that he spend it with his family. Since Richard & Karyn live in Pensacola, right on the water, I have no complaints about that! (Not that I would complain anyway, I enjoy spending time with them) This year was no different. We left on Thursday before his birthday and headed to Pensacola to spend time with family and pick up Riley & Alex. Riley & Alex went back to FL with Grandma Karyn & Aunt Kalee the previous Sunday.

Proof positive that Randy knows how to do dishes, even on his birthday! After breakfast, we left Alex with Richard & Karyn and all the kids headed out in the boat. All the kids include Uncle Ryan and his girlfriend Christa, Aunt Kalee & her friend Leeah, Randy, April, & Riley. This year we decided to take the boat to the beach rather than fight the traffic and drive. Riley started in the front of the boat, but as we hit the open water he decided it was too rough. So he made himself comfortable sitting between Kalee and Leeah. Amazingly, he even fell asleep in Kalee's lap on the way there.
Looking adorable in their 4th of July clothing.

Toward the end of the night, Alex discovered how to climb the stairs. Oh no, visits will be more work from now on.
After the beach, we enjoyed a yummy dinner of Steaks & Shrimp. I love getting eating all that fresh meat & fish. So good! Then we had birthday cake and opened presents. This year we also celebrated Richard & Ryan's birthday at the same time. Their birthday is July 15, so we won't all be together again. Randy & Ryan scored a super sharp knives for skinning deer. After we were stuffed silly, we headed outside to start shooting off all the fireworks we bought the day before. We shoot off a little of everything, from the pretty mortars to the bottle rockets, and mini tanks that fire.At first, Riley was scared of the noise. He kept hiding in the house. But then the girls worked their magic. They pulled out the snaps. Riley had a blast and was good to go the rest of the evening.