Happy 4th of July

Well Fourth of July was very different this year. It is usually the big Mercer gathering where we eat tons and play corn hole and watch the kids run around like crazy! Not this year though. We start start the morning at a birthday party in the park!

Thomas and Cooper didn't want to be sociable at first but then saw the pinata so they thought they would join in on fun.

They all had their bags ready just waiting for all the candy to fall.

Avery and Tito enjoyed watching from the sidelines. Especially after seeing how some of the kids were swinging that thing.

The stick broke and had a very sharp end and Cooper being a sweet tooth kind of guy and wanting the candy as soon as possible. So he started jabbing it with the sharp side. Everyone just cracked up. Darin thought it was very smart of him and was proud of his boy!

Darin had to keep a close eye on Avery and Tito. They always love on each other and give lots of hugs. They aren't going to know what to do when they aren't in class together anymore. Their teacher always says that they are the perfect match because they are both so sweet, both little and both have such pretty hair and eyes.

Can you believe she is finally getting enough hair to put a ponytail holder in? I didn't think this day would ever come. She looks so adorable with her little bows. I love it!!!!!!

She is starting to get really girlie. She likes to have her toes painted, her hair done and being able to carry her little pink bag or a bracelet around.  She is our little tough princess.

The candy finally fell. Do you notice Darin is down there with Cooper's bag? Wonder who the kids get there sweet tooth from....... Darin?

Our princess had her first sucker. It didn't last very long because Darin didn't like all the sticky stuff getting on her and on him. He was right though. It was very messy. She wasn't a very happy princess once Daddy took it from her.

All the boys were so impressed by the Super Man cake. Cooper had to have a piece of what he said was the web. He waited until everyone had a piece so he could get a piece in the middle that only had some red icing. The boy is a trip!

It was so fun just letting the boys have their own little picnic in the park. Didn't even have any spills. Isn't that funny, because you know if they were inside there would have been at least two spills in the floor. But when they are outside and it doesn't matter, there are none!

Okay Darin, yes I know Cooper's red shirt is too small. But it is the only red one he has and we still have to celebrate with our colors at least.

The boys went to feed the ducks. Do you notice Cohen on the left hand side? Yeah, he stepped in dog poop. It is seriously everywhere here. Cooper likes to count all the piles of poop sometimes on our walk back from school.

Next was our Fourth of July party. There were lots of people and food. It felt a little more like back home but still missed our family. Avery loved getting to be in the swing!

I was very impressed, Avery only fell from this table one time. She was determined to sit there though. She is such a tough and stubborn little girl!

She thinks she is so big. I won't allow it though. She is still my baby for right now!

We had a great time at the birthday party, the Fourth of July party and then went and hung out with some friends to watch the US soccer game and eat some pizza. It was a fun filled day for not really being a holiday here. We sure did miss everyone one, the great food and fireworks. We love you all!