Fourth of July Celebration!

Happy Independence Day to ya's! It was a strange occurrence for us to find ourselves at home, on the Fourth of July, as we are usually out and about on our summer vacation to the cabin in Eastern Idaho (as the case was last year,) or in Cedar City the year before that, etc, etc. So STRANGE to find ourselves a) at home, and b) at a loss for what to do!   

But the show must go on! Extended family or no, there's always a local parade to attend, right? 

So that's how we started off the festivities. We headed to "downtown" Pinehurst-- or to the "Village," rather (home of the 2014 US Open), to support the local parade. It had been raining earlier that morning, but there was still a huge turnout and we lucked out with the first rays of sunshine all week. 

The whole fam! Decked out in our most patriotic attire, I might add. It was a fun parade-- lots of local businesses, some Irish bagpipes, and even some candy. 

After the parade we headed home for lunch, and then to the grocery store to buy some fireworks. We're not really sure if fireworks are illegal here or not, since there are zero firework stands, but we did find some sparklers and pop-its (slim pickings compared to Montana last year). Somehow Zach and Jon made it out of the store with a few new Dirt Wheels mags; like father like son, I guess. 

Rita's is right next door, so we figured, "Why not?" This girl inherited her mommy's sweet tooth!

Mmmmm, perfect treat for a summer's day!

While I took the girls home so Leah could nap, Zach was dying to go bowling with Jon. He loooves to go bowling and apparently did pretty well, scoring a 98. That's better than I could do!

That evening we were invited to our friends the Durtschi's house for dinner and the local firework show. Yes! We have friends! And of course they're military and moving soon, but it's still progress. They have Lizzy (who is 8 and Lucy idolizes), and Will (who is 2, and loves to bug Zach).

Sisters!

Awww, my cute little guys. I love that pirate face Zach is sporting! Arrrr!

Lizzy and Lucy had a great time playing together. We headed down to Aberdeen park for the local festivities, but since it drew a more (how should I put this), unsavory crowd (read: REDNECK) we hightailed it out of there before it got dark. Aaaahhhh! I may be scarred for life!!

The next afternoon we headed to Myrtle Beach for a little overnighter fun. Our first stop was the Dinosaur Adventure mini-golf course. 

We got to golf with the dinos, of which Zach was TERRIFIED of getting too close to, but we still managed to have a lot of fun. It was nice to have the time to stop and golf, since we usually just drive right by on the way to the beach! 

But that was the next day. A whole afternoon devoted to sun, sand, and relaxing in the perfect (finally!) summer weather! Here's our little mermaid!

The beach was packed since it was a holiday-- so we realized even more how spoiled we are when we come down and have this little paradise to ourselves.

 And it's official. We can't keep ANY of our little guys out of the water now! The Atlantic is so warm (almost like bath water) and baby Leah played in the water almost the whole time. She loves to get dirty in the sand, splash in the water, and crawl all over the beach. Her little wings were flappin'!

 After the beach we headed to Five Guys for some serious burger action and real Idaho potato fries. Yum! Definitely hit the spot-- we were all happy and tired from a great 4th of July weekend. And now that this recap is over, it's time for me to get back to watching "Lost" (bring it on Season 3)!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!!