Stars & Stripes

I am playing major catch up with blogging . I haven't had a computer for close to three months and finally have my own computer again. I am so happy to get a chance to finally play catch up on our family journal .
This year for the fourth of July we were in the valley instead of going to Show Low and decided that tumbleweed park was our best option for fireworks. It was a great choice and I think both of the boys really enjoyed all of the activities . Earlier in the day we had a craft and made fourth of July hats together. Stratton loves doing crafts and will often on his own make random crafts for me and David . I love his creativity and ability to actually glue and cut on his own really well for a three year old.
Emerson has always loved hats and it was actually one of his very first words. Every time he sees a hat he wants to wear it . I am surprised at how well he will take care of his hats and remember if he takes it off to put it back on his head. He never will just drop it and leave it on the ground . He will stop what he is doing pick up his hat and continue on playing . I think he looks handsome in hats so I like that he wears them too .

Here is another cute picture of Emerson loving his hats

This picture is one of my favorites because of the reality of it . Stratton is obviously not wanting to hold Emerson's hand so he has him by the wrist . Emerson on the other hand couldn't be more happy that Stratton is actually touching him and showing a little affection.

The boy's couldn't help but ooo and ahh over these army vehicles that were really used in warfare. Stratton kept saying, " ooohhh nice!"

Tumbleweed Park had all kinds of free activities for the kids. The main attractions were bounce houses and slides . They had several large water slides for kids to go on and needless to say they were a big hit with most kids there. We waited for our turn in a huge line and for a long time. Finally it was Stratton's turn . He was so excited until he started climbing the stairs to the slide. I was yelling from the bottom words of encouragement but before I knew it I saw that same look of panic on his face that I had seen so many times before. He panicked and quickly made his way back down the stairs just the same way he went up . My immediate reaction that I kept to myself was a little irritated because we had waited so long in the blazing heat for him to go down the water slide . I then started thinking how grateful I was for his cautious personality and even though I was the one at the bottom of the slide pressuring him to do something he didn't want to do Stratton held his ground and didn't give in . I can't help but be thankful for his stubborn and determined attitude to do what he wants and not fall into the pressure of others.
Stratton please remember this as a teenager!

Our night came to a close by finding a nice spot in the grass with our blanket and drinks . I loved it because we had to wait for two hours before the fire works started and during that time we did nothing but spend time as a family. Just the four of us ...no computers or cell phones & no technology at all just us ... simply amazing!