Fourth of July

This year we had the best Fourth of July at our home.  We barbecued Burgers and hot dogs and Joe put on our very own private firework show.  Then we got blankets and laid on our hill while watching all of our neighbors fire work shows.  It went on for hours and was definitely my favorite July 4th yet.

The boys helped me make 4th of July cupcakes

The boys were really excited to start arranging fireworks

Before we started any fireworks we sent up two balloon lanterns, we wrote little notes on them and sent one up to Granny and the other to Pop.

Brodie loved the sparklers

Luke was not so sure about them

Just a few of the ones we set off that night

I thought dogs were suppose to be afraid of fireworks, but he loved them.  At first he tried to run out and catch them.  But then we scolded him and made him sit and watch from afar.  Then he just watched the rest of the show with his boys

I feel like this handsome little boy has just grown up overnight.

Birthdays/ Lake days

This Year for my 32nd birthday we went back to Taylorsville Lake in Kentucky because last year was so much fun.  We had a great day on the lake and had a lot of fun with some great friends.  My old neighbor Carrie and her daughter Natalie even flew in for my birthday.

Natalie, me, Luke and Brodie.  I cant believe the kids swam in the lake.





Me and Jaime Stevens

 

Look at their smerks

Rosie and Chelsea

 Photo bombed by Brodie

 Little Luke is always ready for the camera

 me knee boarding

 

 Julien and the boys swimming

 Brodie and Shea

 Joe showing us his skills on the wake board

 Luke and daddy tubing

 Brodie and daddy

Kentucky Derby 140

Yesterday we got to participate in the greatest two minutes in sports.  Joe rode Vinceremos for Todd Pletcher in the 140th Kentucky Derby.  It is sure an honor and achievement to be able to be competing at that level in horse racing.  Joe works so hard and we couldn't be more proud of him.  For the last week every time the word "Kentucky Derby" was said, (we live in Louisville so it happened a LOT.) Luke would yell at them, "No!! My daddy is in Kentucky Derby!!" (He's only a little bit competitive.) 

 

Me and the boys getting ready to leave for the derby

 

 hamming it up for the camera

 We had the best seats, front row second level on the finish line

 like little boys do he couldn't resist looking over the edge, he accidental dropped Woody over the rail, which in Luke's world is equal to the end of the world.  Then it got worse as he watched a drunk guy pick up Woody, yell "I found woody" to his friends and walk off.  Another guy watching it all told Luke (as he's crying hysterically over the rail)  "I'll get him back.

 Two hours later the second guy made good on his promise.  We heard people yelling "hey kid we found Woody!!!)  After three attempts of throwing him up Woody was caught by two time Kentucky Derby winning rider Angel Cordero Jr. and returned to Luke.  It was the highlight of his day.

 Joe's horse Vinceremos walking over

 Derby madness

 It was a great day, great race I hope we can be part of it again.