Independence Day

Here in Pittsburgh they always throw a huge Regatta for the Fourth of July and it is totally free. We went with our friends the Hecks and had a great time. That night we watched Pittsburgh's incredible firework show that they do over the river. The fireworks are set off from a barge and they also put it with a laser show. The lasers were on the side of the river, on the bridges, and on the big sky scrapers. It was quite the to do. One of my favorite things about the fireworks was the "pre-show." Like I said we were there with the Hecks and their little boy who is just older than Carter and they play great together. They were dancing to the Army Band that was playing live in front of us and my personal favorite was their wrestle mania match. They wrestled and wrestled. I guess that is just innate in little boys. After the fireworks were all done we had several people come up to us and say our little boys were their favorite entertainment of the night. I don't blame them, they were pretty stinkin cute!

Matt is doing a National Guard obstacle course that is raised high up in the sky.

We also saw a BMX bike stunt show. This guy was really awesome and pulling some impressive stunts, but the crowd was really lame and hardly even cheering for him. So of course Matt was cheering extra loud to make up for the rest of the crowd. Because of that Matt was called out of the crowd to "help" with some of the stunts. This guy was jumping over Matt's body and hopping all around. Matt at one point actually felt one of the tires brush up against his arm or thigh as it landed and it kind of freaked him out.

Matt definitely knows how to put on his own show. What a brave boy he is.

For a second I thought I was at the Iowa State Fair when I saw this guy. But alas it was just his t-shirt.

We had a rainy fourth, but Carter didn't mind because he loves his yellow rain jacket and he loves the rain.

Carter zonked during the middle of the huge, loud firework show. It was after 10:00 and I think he had enough of all the noise and stimulation so he cried himself to sleep in my arms poor guy.

Our original plan was to do big fireworks the night of the Fourth and then small neighborhood fireworks the next night. After keeping Carter up so late the night before I was starting to dread doing that again. But it was totally worth it!! The kids loved having the fireworks up close and personal. It was so fun to see their faces light up right along with the fireworks.

Thanks to all those incredible soldiers who are serving now and have served in the past so that we can continue to celebrate this wonderful holiday!!