The rest of the fourth

Despite the cloudy morning and not-so-stellar beach weather, the afternoon of the Fourth turned out beautifully. Maizey chilled with her boyz...

The neighborhood BBQ was a hit.

Or rather, Mr. Crissman's sandbox was.

The supplies for the Jenny-organized nature walk weren't too shabby either...

But ended up being Dad's responsibility by the end of the adventure...

Bucking bedtimes, we headed to the beach at 9 to prep for the fireworks.

Grandpa Bill explained...

 the mechanics of a sunset.

And totally enjoyed his rapt audience,

though Maizey tried to convince her friends not to listen to a word he says.

I enjoyed time with my loves...

 While Maizey enjoyed time with her new Lake City friends. The second generation of the V.

"So, what about that lame parade?"

Meanwhile, Gemma waited patiently for her chance at a Fruit Loop.

Sacrilegiously, no s'mores were on the menu.

But, the view made up for the lack of sweets.

And the fireworks were pretty good too.

Greatest Fourth in the North 2013

Welcome to the Greatest Fourth in the North 2013.

We made it through the parade, unlike last year, but second-time-around-pregnant Marge didn't even attempt the 5K, unlike 2011. Admittedly, the parade-people-watching has gone downhill since the banner year of 2009. (Though 2010 wasn't too shabby.) Or maybe it's just that the cute toddler next to me distracts my lens from the train wreck around me.

Will and Justin did a 5 a.m. chair drop to secure a shady spot, only to be greeted with a cloudy day.

Here, they discuss the 6 a.m. golf results...

Shoulders are a girl's best friend.

And mom and dad's (give those arms a break)!

This guys was ready.

Just wish his windbreaker wasn't covering up what was undoubtedly a color coordinated shirt.

Maizey enjoyed her props.

And Grandma's lap.

While I enjoyed eyeballing the preteen footwear.

This gal was sporting sassier espadrilles than I've ever owned. Plus a bubble skirt. 

And then, of course, there was this guy.

Who I believe loves Arizona, judging by his "Tuscon" tattoo.

Then the parade got rollin.

Yes, this troop leader is sporting a camelback.

And the following two shot are for Uncle Greg.

I gave him a shout, Greg, but only got a wave.

Vampire slayer by night.

Flautist by day.

Here's a teaser of my 2013 fave (guess which one), 

along with a couple other gems.

My fave group was the tree farm crew, who gave the "Racing to the Greatest..." theme an Olympic, albeit flammable, twist.

Not to mention their up and at 'em referee.

An oldie but goodie,

the pups were back.

Okay - giving it away - my fave.

And a chica who obviously didn't get the "Appropriate Parade Footwear" memo.

Maizey and Grandpa shared the bounty.

Best get ever.

While this guys costume made zero sense.

Zero.

Rosco, Mr. "Free Shakes" was back.

But no Uncle Paul to dish him sass.

By the end of it, Lady was ready to rock.

"Did you see that lady's shoes, Dad!"

And, it wouldn't be Lake City without a train horn blowin' semi,

spreadin' Yankee truckin' pride.

And to my fave?

Amen, Brother.

As an aside, here is what two rice krispie treats, 6 tootsie rolls, one sucker, three starbursts, two mini-snickers, and a popsicle do to Lady. Happy Independence Day!

Memory lane...

One of my favorite things to do when visiting my parent's Escanaba abode is perusing old photos... What a wonderful childhood I had!

And wow - my daughter sure looks like her mama.

20+7

I am 27 weeks pregnant - nearly seven months. I would say I can't believe I'm this far along, but, that would be a lie. I feel today as I felt at 9 months with Maizey. I waddle. I have heartburn. I have trouble sleeping. RLP problems have been replaced by SPD, an arguably more debilitating acronym-ed ailment which keeps me from doing any type of physical activity. (PT exercises help and I have a chiropractor and acupuncturist waiting in the wings in case it gets worse.) But, I would say I am carrying  differently than last time. A bit lower. Thoughts?

Takeaways? A younger body is a better body for childbearing - and who am I kidding - for nearly everything else. They weren't lyin' when they said everything starts earlier the second time around. (I've decided the Duggar matriarch must start "showing" immediately after implantation.) And I am VERY excited to meet this baby.

Though we're not finding out the gender this time around, I still think that this will be a three lady family. A brother would be great for Maizey, as I love mine, but I've also heard that sisterhood is pretty special. (Hemingers, anyone?)

On the preparation front, the additional bedroom and bathroom work has yet to begin. We're waiting on our architect to go to bid. (Love his plans, hate his timeliness.) The delay is killing me, but is, I understand, a first world problem. The baby will be in our room for the first few months anyhow. Really, my true worry (and Will's) is having to make design decisions in the third trimester. And, wrangling an infant and toddler in an under-construction home mid-November. *Sigh*

But, I did pick a mobile project for Grandma Betty! Hot Air Balloons! And, I think the primary room color will be turquoise. We're still not sure if we'll transition Maizey to a bed beforehand, or purchase another crib. And, I don't know if I want to invest in another Monte glider for this room too. Decisions, decisions. But, as there is no room, I can procrastinate without guilt.

Happy Holiday week, all!

Water and tables

Maizey got a package from Grandpa Bob and Grandma Betty.

Opening it was almost as fun as playing with it.

 Well, almost...

Thank you!