Our first 4th

This year we enjoyed our first family fourth of July. Since we've been married, I don't think I've seen Mike on the fourth for more than maybe 10 hours total (as in, out of all 3 24 hour periods, I saw him for maybe 10 of those) because he was required to work from before the parade/run in the morning, til long after the fireworks ended and stadium of fire emptied out. Needless to say, it was really nice not to have to do that again this year! Anyways, we went to Todd and Alli's house and had a lot of fun. We went to a parade (with no marching band, does anyone else find that odd?), had a cook out, hung out and played games, then watched fireworks. It was a nice, relaxing, although long day.

Alexa surprised Mike and me when she grabbed my cup and started drinking out of it-without spilling.
Mike and I brought desserts for the cookout, and Mike wanted to contribute this time, so he decided to make a patriotic version of his favorite dessert, trifle. It turned out beautifully, and was a big hit. Mike took the picture, and I didn't notice until I uploaded them on the computer the next day that I should've turned the bowl around for him.

I made a cake (and back up cupcakes in case the cake failed-but that's a whole other story).

I was pretty proud of myself. Mike deserves a big thanks for not letting me throw it out when I was having issues. Word to the wise- do not attempt unless you either have a cake leveler or you are amazingly good at leveling them by hand.

These pics are from later Sunday when we were prepping the desserts. Alexa hasn't been a big fan of sitting on Mike's shoulders, so she never really has before, but she has recently decided that if someone is in the kitchen, they must hold her. It makes dinner prep every night bundles of fun. Mike's solution this time was to stick her on her shoulders, and I thought it was hilarious how she laid on his head because she was scared to sit up.

Eventually she sat up a little...