independence weekend update

the llvj family enjoyed a three-day weekend (the first time mommy has had the 4th of july off in nearly a decade!) and celebrated "happy birthday america," as jack decided to call it.

happy birthday, america!

we started off with a neighborhood parade, that culminated in a big party at the park -- complete with food, rides (which seemed like fun until you were on them ...), moonbounces and lots of people!

jack did not stay up to watch any fireworks, and was not even awakened from his slumber when the neighborhood kids lit some off nearby. maybe next year ...

saturday brought us rain, which led us to some shopping errands. our family of three has not been to the mall since jack was just a baby ... but daddy packed his patience and braved the insanity of l.l. bean. daddy and jack checked out the fish while mommy tried on new bathing suits. let's just say the boys had more fun.

and because that was not enough shopping, jack and mommy headed out to toys 'r' us in the afternoon. it was jack's first ever trip to the toy-mecca, and mommy's first in ages, where she was pleasantly surprised that it's no longer the dingy place she remembers but now has display train tables and well-organized aisles. when jack finally was pulled away from the train table set, we found the sports aisle and purchased an outdoor basketball hoop -- a birthday gift from grandma and grandpa. jack was so happy about getting to pick his special present, and on the way home kept asking, "where's grandma and grandpa?" as if we'd left them behind in the store.

sunday consisted of playing every sport known to man. in between some viewing of wimbeldon, jack insisted on "outside" for playing basketball, "golf ball," "soccer ball," and lacrosse. let's just say it was a very active day in the yard and in the park. thank goodness he hasn't heard of cricket yet!!

it was a great family weekend and a very happy birthday for america.