I’m a planner. I like to know what we’re doing, when we’re doing it, how we’re going to do it…etc, etc. If you’re thinking that I don’t fly by the seat of my pants too well–then you’d be right. But every once in awhile, plans are derailed and I’m forced to just go with it. And to my surprise, those times often end up being some of the most memorable.
Take our 4th of July weekend for example. We had big plans to go camping with my family (and by camping I mean stay in a cabin next to my sister’s camper…you know, roughin’ it)…but that was quickly nixed when we found out there was a flash flood warning in effect for our area all weekend. Thankfully we were able to reschedule our reservations for a later date…but that still left our calendar wide open…and soggy.
The good news is that our plan B was pretty fantastic too…
(and this is where I share an excessive amount of pictures!!)
Before the weather got too bad, I snapped some pictures of these two in their festive gear. I may be biased, but they sure are cute. Even with bribery Oreos falling out of their mouths.
We also hit up the nearest fireworks stand for some goodies. Chris was at work when we went, so his first question was, “why’d you get a bunch of little kid stuff!” Oh you know, because we only have little kids!
We spent Friday night at my parents house, eating our camping food, setting off (little kid) fireworks, and admiring the girls’ matching rompers that were intended for the campgrounds. The weather was amazing and the kids had a ball as usual. I love how much they love each other!
Not too impressed with the Poopy Puppy.
When the rain came the next day, we hung out inside, watched movies, did crafts, and Chris made a blackberry pie. Because apparently he knows how to do that?
Sunday night was finally dry enough to move the party outside and shoot off a few fireworks. Yes! Our neighbors joined us, and the kids were more interested in playing in the back of my car than watching the show their dads were putting on. Such is life with little ones!
Also, Nash doesn’t care for snappers. Can you tell?!?
Sometime around midnight, I woke up sweating profusely and trying to figure out why our monitor wasn’t working. It took me a couple of minutes in my sleepy state to realize that the power was out. Ugh! Unfortunately it still wasn’t fixed at 6am, which threw a wrench in our 4th of July morning–but mostly, my hair!!!
We had decided at the last minute to make a day trip to my mom’s hometown in Iowa (which is our usual 4th tradition)…so I pouted for a few hours minutes, knowing I’d be going with wonky hair. But we trucked on..and I’m so glad we did, because it was the BEST day.
Our first stop was at my aunt and uncle’s farm to visit…and of course, see their kitties. If there was a way to make this gray one stay a kitten forever, he would’ve been coming home with us!!!
Every time I visit my mom’s hometown, I imagine what it would be like to live there. If I could get Chris a job there, I could totally make the move…and probably take my online shopping habit to a whole new level. Ha!
These orange slice cookies will forever remind me of my grandma. They’re a fourth of July necessity…
Another necessity: the kids games. Arden did the sack jump, 3-legged-race, egg toss, and everyone’s favorite…the greased pig contest. She earned $1.75 and three ribbons…which she has proudly hanging on the antlers above her bed. I was just so proud of the way she jumped into this new, unfamiliar situation and had the best time ever. She even made some friends!
Okay, so the greased pig contest. It’s country entertainment at it’s finest.
My brother used to win a lot when we were little, but I can’t even recall catching a single pig. I guess Arden must’ve had a little help from Uncle Josh on this one…
And Nash…well…he was a cute.
We ended the day at the good ol’ 4th of July parade…
Arden and Nash quickly learned that waving and jumping got them noticed…which got them more CANDY!
It wasn’t the 4th of July I was expecting, but it was pretty darn sweet. I’m so thankful for this country we live in and the family I’ve been blessed with. Not to mention, hairdryers, straighteners…and electricity in general.
Hope y’all had the best day too!
What a fun country weekend! I am cracking up at the greased pigs game and that adorable picture of all the three girls is just too much to handle in one picture!
Where in Iowa!? Born and raised and LOVE IT 🙂
It looks like you guys had a great time despite everything. I love the photos on the porch!
For having plans get messed up this looks like one heck of a fun weekend! And you got so much into one weekend! Love the matching rompers, the greased pig, your kids, your outfit! So much fun in one post!
Oh goodness those kittens! I love all you pictures and your stars and stripes top! The girls look adorable in their matching rompers.
What a fun weekend despite it being your Plan B 🙂 I loved the part about how your brother was helping Arden in the greased pig contest! I always have to smile when my yeast bread turns out because I know it’s my Grandma Enns totally helping me from heaven! Also, if it’s any consolation, I did have my hair straightener working all weekend and my hair still looked bad (hello, humidity).
Man, I too am a planner and strongly dislike a wrench getting thrown in my plans, but alas, that’s life. Looks like you guys salvaged the weekend and made the most of it. The rain put a damper (literally) on a few things on my end too but I managed to pack a lot of adventure into the long weekend. It was perfect.
Bahahaha–“and electricity in general”!!! Amen to that! It was a crazy 17 hours without it and totally laughable now! I loooooove your tank top and your hair looks fab!!! You got some great photos of the weekend!
LOVE the girls matching rompers! And that Arden won the pig contest! Lol…she went right to work! 🙂
That sounds like such a fun weekend, even if it wasn’t what you had planned. I’m sure you’ll get to enjoy your “camping” trip soon and will have added even more by to your summer by switching things up a bit. And also, yes, thank goodness for hairdryers and straighteners. …and it’s exciting to see a K-state shirt, we’ll be moving there in the Spring!!
The pictures of them in their festive clothes are adorable!!
For the love PLEASE share the orange slice cookie recipe! Yum! How darling are the cousins in matching outfits! Such a great holiday, the 4th!
The poopy puppy- ha! We bought that one too….not the best investment. ? So glad you went to Iowa- what a fun day!!
What a fantastic 4th! You took some amazing photos! I’m a new reader and can’t wait to read more!
Oh my goodness your babies are so cute!! What a fun weekend!
Oh my goodness! From the sibling photos, to the matching rompers, to the pig catching…I can’t even handle the cuteness! What a special weekend. My Dad is from Iowa, and I was born and mostly raised in Illinois…we are in Ohio now. So Midwesterner at heart for sure!
This is a fantastic recap! Such a wonderful 4th- I have so much I want to comment on! lol. But mostly, your kids didn’t love the Poopy Puppy? I’m pretty sure that’s all Abigail talks about. Sigh.
So much goodness in one post! Good thing the bad weather didn’t bring you all down too much! I’m dying over those kitties though! Almost as adorable as your kids!
I am just like you friend – I need to plan and have electricity!! But often good to just “go with the flow” and those spontaneous moments are even better! x