4th of July

4th of July was a little different this year.  The family usually goes out to the lake for the week but due to Mike's trip to Seattle and the wedding that was coming up the family didn't have a week off to take.  Mike and Bonnie did decide to come over for a visit though and I am so glad that they did because it was his last time with just my kids one on one.  So we headed out to see everyone and surprise them with our guests. :)  It was a very pleasant surprise indeed.

 

 (Some of these pics are courtesy of Kristin's blog.)

 

 This little fisherman could do this all day long.

 

Cute girls Haylee and Ailey are such sweet friends/cousins.  They look alike too. :)

 

 

The best part of being out there is of course....THE LAKE!!  Swimming and floating and laughing oh my!

 

 

A little down time with his baby girl.

                                                             Little 4th of July baby!

Evening came and the kids did some smaller fireworks before heading over to watch the big ones on the water.

 

Haylee burned her finger on a sparkler a few years ago so I was surprised to see her holding one again.  She was very cautious though. ;)

Paige got all snuggled up with Grandma to watch the big fireworks and they put her right to sleep.  It was a little scary shooting the big ones off of the dock so I stayed back out of the way but they were beautiful.  It was fun to spend the day out there and a memorable 4th for all of us I'm sure.

 

 

We made a trip over to visit Grandpa Frank while Mike and Bonnie were still in town and got an updated "Ellersick boys" photo.

After cruising around Coeur d'alene for the afternoon we had some burgers and milkshakes and enjoyed the day.  Mike went to his all class reunion up in Bonner's Ferry so we had Grandma all to ourselves for part of the time which is always a treat for the kids.  We crafted and shopped and loved on her before they had to head back to depressing Seattle. :(

This is one of those times that I wish I would have taken more pictures with my kids and Grandpa while we had him all to ourselves.  Jen's wedding in Boise was coming up and we knew he would be there but it was also busy, busy so it was hard to get much quality time in.  We were so lucky to have this short weekend though and we soaked up every minute!!

Grace turns 12

How does one know they have a teenager (almost) in their home???  You break out the camera and try to get a few pictures of the birthday said boy or girl and if they hide their face and make shrieking sounds like you are threatening them with a knife that's a pretty good indication you're in trouble. ;)

Mine is not even a teenager yet we still have one more year to go but you would think she's going on 16!!  Lord have mercy........

I decorated with the intention of trying to make things look a little more grown up and not so "toddler"-ish???  It was a simple color scheme and not too many decorations, I thought we pulled it off nicely.

She was excited to celebrate! (or for the doughnuts?)

 She was cursing me right then and trying not to "look" like that's what she was doing. ;)

 I even ordered a stripper for breakfast. ;)

We headed out for lunch that afternoon at one of our favorite places to stop when we are heading to or from the lake, Capone's! YUM!!  It's a little divey but we like places like that and greasy cheap food along with good beer selection is how we do things and are not afraid to admit it!

Kids that still smile with their mom for selfies.......

And the "said" teenager that thinks I am killing her slowly!  Lovely eh?

See the head still bowed in shame?  I am not exaggerating people!!!  This was after a failed/freezing attempt at a birthday swim at the lake, we were all bummed out by then so we headed home to have CAKE!

I guess cake makes her smile. ;)

 A delicious lemon curd filled cake with homemade strawberry frosting was what she requested and was pleasantly surprised (and amazed) that her mom pulled it off.  She didn't actually say that but I could tell she wanted to.

 This was kind of a bummer birthday and we felt bad that with all the family stuff and sickness we were dealing with that she got a little over shadowed.  :(  We love this girl even with the attitude that comes along with her these days.  She is a tender hearted thing that wears it on her sleeve for all to see and we are so proud of the student/friend/daughter/young woman she is becoming.  Happy 12th birthday sweet Gracie girl we love you so so so very much!!!!