fourth festivities

I can't imagine a better July 4th than the one we celebrated at the lake today. What a truly perfect day! Dennis enjoyed swimming in the lake with Mommy and Gran and Allison before lunch, and just as we were getting out of the lake, the Gallmans arrived. Dennis RAN up the stairs to see Chloe, soaking wet and ready to give hugs. We dried him off and all had lunch together. After lunch, we were very fortunate that the kids were exhausted and went down fairly easily for naps in the two bedrooms. They both slept on the beds this time, no worries about pods or pack n' plays, and that was SO nice. As soon as it was apparent that they were asleep, the Gallmans and Allison and I all headed out on a beverage run, and stopped by to visit David at his work. When we got back to the lake, the kids were still asleep, so we jumped back in the water and enjoyed a peaceful swim. When they woke up, we put them in swimsuits and sunscreen, life jackets and floats, and put them in the lake with us. Dennis did so well in his puddle jumper life jacket sitting in the float. The arm wings kept him from sliding out the bottom, and the float made him feel secure enough to kick around and explore rather than holding onto me the entire time. I stayed very close of course, but it was nice not having him climb up me and attempt to drown me constantly. He was wearing his sunglasses as well, and he and Chloe looked so cute floating around with us. When they were ready to get out, we set up a baby pool and sprinkler on the upper deck and let them run. There was much squealing and giggling and they played for quite a long time. The daddies took over after that and Ellen and Allison and I had a lovely swim/float with our noodles, very good girl time. We enjoyed some superb grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs and strawberry/blueberry trifle and ended the evening by taking the boat out to watch the fireworks display. Dennis clapped his hands and said "WOW!" whenever he saw them, and Chloe pointed out the different colors that she saw and kept asking for more purple ones. They were so very cute. I can't imagine anyone enjoying this holiday more than a two-year-old!