Independence Day

For all of America's present day faults, I am profoundly grateful for the freedom we enjoy here. Yesterday we had such a great time celebrating that freedom. We spent the morning crashing Jon's work day - first at a neighborhood parade in Irvine (which the kids loved!) then at his station for lunch (and seriously, what is more 4th of July than hanging out with firemen?). Later we had dinner with the Wallas and after that we went over to one of our friends' house to watch the fireworks. We had so much fun in Wisconsin last 4th of July. I was worried this year that the day could not be as memorable for the kids as it was last year. But the day came together so seemlessly in a way that I couldn't have imagined or planned. Turns out the kids are at this magical age where the 4th of July is great for them here, there, and anywhere. 

I love how shiny the trucks are. This is Eden looking at her reflection in the door of the heavy rescue truck.

I could not choose just one of these. Their faces are just too much!

 4th of July Band

I could not believe how serious the kids were about wanting to watch the fire works. I seriously did everything I could to talk them out of it, cause honestly I wanted to go to bed. But they both insisted, especially Eden, and I am so happy that they did. We ended up having such a wonderful evening with our gracious friends. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. When Eden woke up this morning she was going on and on about their beauty. She was marveling about how they "went up and touched the end of our earth and exploded into all the colors of the rainbow!". 

Zion + Surfing

While at the beach the other day, Eden & I ditched the boys for the better part of an hour in search of sea glass. When we returned the boys were eager to show us their new "trick". Later, when I was asking Zi about surfing, I asked him whether it was easy or hard. He said it was easy. Then I asked him if he would teach me someday and he said he would. He doesn't realize that I'm gonna hold him to that.

It's hard to tell from these pics but Zi even likes to stand up on the boogie.

 Meanwhile Eden Hope "Fisher Hunter" Walla (as she likes to be called) is emulating her dad in another way. 

Cardiff

Cardiff is our favorite beach. It's about 30-40 minutes south of us and is just perfect for the kids. It's one of my only regrets about no longer living in North County SD - that and the botanical gardens. But the kids don't mind the drive since they have such a great time once they are there. I am counting the days till I can take them back.

"Let Her Be Great"

Eden had her big dance recital on Monday night. Originally I did not sign her up for it. It was a pretty big production on a big stage and it all just seemed to be a bit much for a 4 year old dancer. To be honest, I didn't think she would enjoy it at all - given Eden and her general reserve. But she wanted to do it badly, begging us to let her be part of it. So Jon made the decision to "let her be great". And you know what? She was GREAT! She loved every minute of her special late night performance. The next morning she woke up and told me "Mommy I really loved it last night, that was really fun." I am grateful to Jon for having the insight to "let her be great", and this lesson in greatness is one that I hope we will carry with us and incorporate into other aspects of Eden as she grows.

Legoland with Grammy

My mom took the kids and I to Legoland last week. It was incredibly special and everything that you would hope such a special place would be. The kids were just in awe of every bit of it. Eden took really good care of Zion the entire time. She all but refused to go on rides that he was too small for (although we talked her into one at the end), she held his hand and looked out for him the entire time. As we were winding up the day Eden sweetly asked if we could come to this place more often. And as we were driving away she said that she wished Grammy lived closer. So do I Eden, so do I.