Calli's First Fourth

We had such a fun fourth! This was Calli's first fourth of July as an American citizen, so we had a lot to celebrate. We look forward to the 4th every year because our friends the Gryseels have their annual party at their house. All our friends from church are there and it's just so much fun. We eat, hang out, the kids swim in kiddie pools, and then we have a great view of the fireworks that the city of Lake Jackson puts on. So much fun!

Granny got the girls matching dresses and they looked so cute! It's a little ridiculous how much I love it when they all three match. Jenny asked Randy how many sets of matching clothes we have and Randy said "as much as the grandparents will buy!" :) So cute.

 Gigi and Peeps were here for the weekend, so they got to come to the party with us! We enjoyed having them here and just had a laid-back few days of resting and being at home. It was great!

Our friends Laura and Justin came and had their son Easton with them. Easton's birthday is one day after Calli's, and we have been so excited for them to meet. You can tell they were pretty thrilled about it too.

 Fun times with Sarah and Caleb! Seeing them on the hammock reminded me about another fourth of July many years ago out on the Hancock's ranch when I flipped Alden on a hammock and she broke her arm. I told them that story and said be careful!!

 Cheetos for dinner....ok!

 Our little American!

 Getting wet in the kiddie pools! Calli was super excited about this. She loved it!

 

We didn't know how Calli would react to the fireworks. She was sitting in my lap when they started, and she watched the first two and then quickly turned around to where she was facing me and put her head up against my chest. She left it there the whole time and I covered the ear that was not against me. A few times I tried to sit her up and she would press herself up so hard against me. Sweet girl. When they were over, I said, "All done!" and she sat up, did the sign language for all done and said "Gwo gwo!" (That's Calli for "all done." And "thank you." And "goodbye." And pretty much everything.) She was totally fine when they were finished! It was a late night and we had three tired girls, but it was so much fun!

Watching the fireworks, listening to God Bless the USA, and holding Calli made me a little emotional! What an amazing thing that she is a new American citizen and has the opportunity to live in a country where she has so many freedoms. We don't take for granted where we were born, and know that it's only by God's grace that we have had the wonderful life we have. We're so thankful she is a part of our family forever and know that to whom much has been given, much is required. We want to steward the freedoms we have well and teach our girls to not take them for granted. What a wonderful way to celebrate Calli's 3 month Forever Family day (three days early)! It has been an amazing three months since she was placed in our arms!