To Be Continued. . .

. . .is now continued

For Craig's Birthday. . .

. . .we invited some friends over for a pool party that Saturday. We enjoyed a gourmet hot dog bar and some red velvet cake. Craig got some new clothes for work, and some other fun stuff. I think he really enjoyed his birthday this year. It was fun to celebrate with friends and family.




For the Fourth of July. . .

Craig and I took the boys down to Provo to check out some of the Freedom Festival stuff. Then Craig had to go to work.





I then went to my parents house and joined everyone for a pool party and a BBQ. My mom's side of the family was there. We all had so much fun. I really enjoyed seeing everyone and getting to spend time with them.





For Little M's birthday. . .

. . .I was a slacker. I asked my mom to help me come up with a party because I wanted to celebrate, but I was too tired to plan it. Little M hasn't shown huge interest in anything particular. He really seems to like Thomas and trains though. We kind of did a things that go party. Mostly it was just food and family since he's 2 and won't really remember.

Little M loves marshmallows so, instead of a cake, we had a chocolate fountain. That way he could enjoy yummy chocolate dipped marshmallows. And we could all enjoy a chocolate fountain ;).



My mom bought him this little mini cake so we could sing happy birthday and he could blow out the candle. Little H dropped it on the floor the night before, and, after I fixed it, Little M kept sneaking frosting here and there.




We sang happy birthday about ten times. And then I tried to get Little M interested in his presents. He wasn't too impressed with anything.



Our friends did give him this tool belt that he liked. He tried to climb into the pool with it, and all his other clothes too, and when I went to take it off he screamed at me. This was my solution.



Along with the tool belt he got some new clothes to wear and some fun books from his nursery leader. Have I mentioned she's amazing!

I felt bad that his party wasn't more exciting. I also felt bad for my mom's efforts and the fact that no one came. Labor Day weekend is a tough time to have a birthday. I was glad that our neighbors came. They are such good friends. And Little M really did enjoy himself. He even got into the pool for a bit.



We're trying to make Little M a patchwork afghan for his birthday. If anyone would like to contribute a crocheted square we'd love it. It can be any size, any color, any pattern. It was a my hopes that we could make a trip down south and have a little birthday party/meet the new baby party with everyone down there. And then we could possibly do more with the afghan down there. But unfortunately it looks like my recent 4 day stay at the B&B of American Fork Hospital is the closest thing we'll be getting to "getting away" for a while.

Hopefully that concludes all my "to be continued" posts.

Happy 4th everyone! We had a whole weekend of fun and celebrations.

On Saturday

We checked out the 1776 village and Ellis Island in the Park.





We also got in the pool later.

Look at the beautiful sunset we enjoyed!



On Sunday

In honor of it being the 4th I told Craig we should have a red, white and blue breakfast. Red: strawberry shakes, blue: blueberry pancakes and white: egg whites- and yolks. Shortly after fixing our feast we remembered it was fast Sunday. Oops!

Later that day we lit some sparklers, threw some snaps and enjoyed a small fireworks show. We tried to keep it mild since it was Sunday.





On Monday

We enjoyed another outing at the pool along with a BBQ. My grandparents came over and we all had a great time sitting around, eating, talking and swimming.





Look at our snazzy new life vests!



Little H had fun playing this game with mom, dad, grandpa. . .pretty much everyone who would play.



Grandma gave us ice cream sandwiches. YUM! It was the only thing that could get us away from the pool.



Which we desperately needed to do. Look at those shivers.



And of course we had a real fireworks show that night.



It started at my parents. Then we were told their house is part of the "no firework" zone. Poo! So we moved it to our house.




The boys were afraid of the fireworks. Big H brought the remote out for comfort.



My brother made us some homemade ice cream that we served over apple pie. What a delicious, and American, way to end the evening.

July 4, 2009: We are Yankee Doodle Dandies!

Next to Halloween, and Christmas, The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I just love seeing the whole nation gathered in honoring our great country. Politics seem to fall out the window for the day, and everyone is unified in remembering our Founding Father's and all those who sacrificed to make this country great. The Stratton Family salutes you America! When our Ancestors entered this country they promised to stand by you even during hard times. We will continue to honor that promise in hopes that your greatness can shine through once again.



In celebration of our Country's Birthday my family stayed true to our tradition of going out on the boat.





The twins got some fancy new life vests. I wanted something for them to wear to ease my mind a little. Recently on the news we've heard of boat that capsized on Utah Lake. People underestimate this lake all the time. When the wind picks up it gets some huge waves going.




We all had fun playing around in the water. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to swim in Utah Lake and not die.

Craig took a little slip while he was trying to jump in. He grudgingly reposed so I could get a picture.



On the Fourth my mom got us free tickets to Stadium of Fire. I wasn't too stoked about the Jonas Brothers, but SheDaisy was really good. And Glen Beck did an awesome job hosting. And, of course, the fireworks were wonderful!



The giant flag, that was made for Stadium of Fire, was flown that night for the first time. They later retired it, a ceremony that always brings tears to my eyes.



The Jonas Brothers aren't necessarily a favorite of mine, but I have to say, "They can get a crowd of mostly teenage girls going." That is why Craig suggested the boys wear ear plugs.



I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth! Its always great to have an excuse to sit back and remember what makes this country great!



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