~ Our laid back 4th of July ~

Let's clear something up - I was born in England and I am extremely proud to be English (unless it involves cheering for our rubbish football team.) I think my heart will always be in England and the memories it holds. However, I am (technically and legally) an American. I love living here. I love that out of all the American guys I could have ended up marrying, I married a Marine. It doesn't get much more patriotic then that, and I love that I have little girls with American accents. This truly is a great nation, and I am blessed to call it home. 

So, do I celebrate the 4th of July? Sure. I dress the family (including myself) in red, white, and blue. I get together with family and enjoy eating hamburgers and hotdogs. I watch sports on TV, and once in a while venture out to see the fireworks (I actually hate really crowded places.) A couple years ago, my family and I went to the beach and stayed for the fireworks! There were so many people there at the beach and because of it we got stuck in the parking lot for over two hours!! It was still a fun day though. Next year, I am hoping to take the girls oh and my baby boy (craziness) to see a proper 4th of July parade. 

I don't tend to dwell on the fact that this is a holiday celebrating kicking English butt; however, I do appreciate our military and all the sacrifices they and their families make. 

Now with all that being said here was my laid back 4th of July.

It began with arguably my favourite breakfast - doughnuts! 

I then got the girls dressed in their red, white and blue. I took forever trying to get Hannah's hair done as she is a fidget and is constantly wiggling. Lilly; however, loves to get her hair brushed but as you can see it really doesn't take that long. One day she will get more hair. . . . . right?

The hardest part is getting the girls to sit, smile, and look at the camera at the same time. FAIL! But I was happy with these two pics.

We then went a did a little shopping. Don't be fooled by the bag - Bath and Body works put my $3 foaming hand soap in it. I know so weird but oh well. I then decided to treat myself (or my Mum did) to a double chocolate chip frappuccino  from Starbucks (not a coffee drink.) Delicious! 

We went to a couple others places before returning home and prepping for dinner. We had chips, dip, hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad etc. If I hadn't been so hungry, I would have taken a minute to take a picture. You will just have to trust me when I say it was yummy!

I didn't take the girls to see any fireworks; however you can see them in the distance from my parents house. Hannah loved watching them. 

All in all it was a fun day.

Here are some pictures from 4th of July's past

2015

2014

2013

2012

and if you are wondering why Aaron isn't in any pictures. . . . we have only spent two 4th of July's together. One in 2011 and one in 2015. . . . sigh. . .  oh well maybe next year : )