the parade at the 4th of july. of which N would not take part. until eventually...she did, after everyone else was about done... what matters is that she looked dang cute on her hand-me-down bike with the new princess basket and "jing-jing" bell to dress it up.
The day was full of patriotic activities: chatting, raising the flag, saying the pledge, shedding a tear or two out of appreciation, eating, decorating cupcakes, watching the kiddie parade and then pelting them all with candy, making up our own sound track to the city fireworks display with j.timms, participating in and watching the family ..."variety show?" and watching my daughter for the first time grasp the concept of the sparkler.
My favorite part of the 4th of july: the next night when the sistas stayed up until 4 in the morning hashing out the details of the past, crying from laughing, laughing from crying. and relishing in the memories of the wonderful mississippi mud fudge brownies that big sis made not once, but twice. i always knew i liked her...
My least favorite part of the 4th of july: waking up at 6 after going to bed at 4 so the hubs could get back home to get to work. probably even less favorable for him, but what a great guy for understanding that i need time with my girls.
Also on the 4th uncle Gary passed away. God bless that man for the trials he endured on this earth. i'm not sure there are many who could deal with those difficulties and still smile at all. Let's remember him the way he was before it all.
I went to his funeral that following week and am almost positive it was exactly what he would want. fun, light-hearted and respectful.
Then there was the Bingham Reunion. From which my most vivid memory is of sweet Laura asking, "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO UPDATE YOUR BLOG?!!!" the guilt has been tormenting me. the pressure has been so intense... so i must dedicate this essay to Laura... and ask in return, "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO START A BLOG?!!! AND LET ME IN ON IT?!!!"
Following that N started swim lessons. i don't have any digital photos to share, so i'll paint a picture for you. N in her purple little mermaid swimsuit, sitting on the side of the pool, yelling at the other kids to stop splashing between moments of sucking her fingers and telling the lifeguard she has to go the bathroom...again...and again. but we made it through! and by the last two days of the 8 days of lesson, she was smiling and laughing. all it took was a green (not the yellow!) water noodle. who would have thought. i'll never let my kid quit...especially when i've already paid. way to stick it out mom, i knew she'd come through.
to be continued...
LOVED IT!
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