Fireworks, Water Pistols, Sparklers, & S’ Mores! {Summer Bucket List}

Several years before the quads debut, our friends, Billie & Bob began hosting an annual Fourth of July pool party.  We spend the entire afternoon poolside enjoying beverages a la carte with assorted snacks followed by dinner from the grill.  Two years ago, the quads attended their first pool party, but we left several hours prior to the fireworks display.  This year, we borrowed a library book about July Fourth that mentioned fireworks, and it peaked the quads interest.  Because they usually startle at unexpected noises (e.g. the blender, toilet flushes, hair dryers), I wasn’t convinced fireworks were a prudent idea. I did not make any promises to the quads.


Fourth of July pool party 2013


Before letting the quads outside the confines of the house, I began strapping each one in a puddle jumper.  Naturally, Rylin protested her aqua colored version, stripping it off multiple times.  Billie happened to have a hot pink one available and a disaster was averted.  I’m nervous about the kids near water with puddle jumpers, having them near water without them is a total nightmare.  At first, the kids were hesitant to get into the pool, but with many familiar adults handy, they decided it was worthwhile.

pool party

The day prior to the party, I stumbled upon an eight pack of water pistols on sale at Kroger.  They ended up entertaining kids and adults at the party.  At one point, a duel between Kristin & Aunt CiCi vs Harper & Sydney ensued.  I think the kids won.

In 2013, Ashley and Rylin looked adorable in matching bikinis.

Rylin and Ashley both wore their

This year, Ashley had her own adorable little guy by her side who enjoyed his first Fourth of July pool party.

Ashley & Maddox

And next summer, there will be another cutie at the pool!  Congratulations, JW & Kristin!!!

IMG_5208

Once everyone’s fingers and toes had a raisin like appearance, we bailed out of the pool for an evening picnic.  Apparently the quads worked up an appetite splashing around.  They devoured dinner and had plenty of room for dessert!

Since all four kiddos were in good spirits after dinner, we changed them into pajamas and decided we could stay for fire pit s’ mores and sparklers, both of which were new experiences for them.


s'mores

There’s nothing better than watching your children experience the joys of childhood for the first time.  The looks of awe were priceless.

sparklers

As we enjoyed our s’ mores, several of the neighbors began shooting off small fireworks, and I braced myself for pandemonium.  Much to my surprise, the quads seemed okay with the commotion.  By then, they were already up at least an hour past bedtime and seemed content, so we let them gaze at  poolside fireworks.  Sydney became upset at some of the loudest fireworks, but was content to snuggle with me.

fireworks

How did you celebrate the Fourth of July?   For our readers in other countries, do you observe a similar holiday?

Hooray for another item marked off our summer bucket list, and the bonus items we experienced!!!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Splashground
  7. Zoo
  8. Bahama Buck’s
  9. Frozen yogurt
  10. Community pool
  11. Grill dinner outside
  12. Water Table
  13. Inflatable Pool
  14. Sprinklers
  15. Ice Cream
  16. Indoor playgrounds
  17. Lee’s Grilled Cheese
  18. Blow bubbles
  19. Chalk drawings
  20. Board games
  21. Play dates
  22. Summer Reading Club
  23. Dance classes
  24. Fireworks
  25. Sleep over with grandparents
  26. Nature Walks
  27. Bounce house
  28. Popsicles
  29. S’mores
  30. Sparklers
  31. Water pistol duels

hugs,

Amber

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