The Nesbitt Family: Girls & Curls: 4th of July!!!

We had such a REMARKABLE 4th of July this year!! Mother Nature tried not to cooperate, but she pulled through enough for us to make some wet memories!!! On the morning of the 4th, we got dressed and ready to attend our neighborhood skydiving show and picnic, but got word at the last minute that it had been cancelled due to the rain!!! Boooooo!!! But, we still looked uber-cute, so we snapped a few patriotic pictures:

Since we were "already ready already" and HANGRY, we headed over to Sam's House in the Carrollton Square for lunch. VERY YUMMY BBQ!!

(ps - Ella looks identical to a childhood photo of my mama in this picture. I will have to find it to post it side-by-side. Uncanny.)

Eatin' ribs. Like a boss.

We walked around the square for a bit while we waited on the weather to cheer up. We stopped by a groovy bookstore so Nora could read about mermaids (she honestly believes that she's a mermaid, by the way. She tries to convince me on a weekly basis that she will develop her fin soon).

Exploring the kids' books:

Under the "book arch." :)

We also did a little window shopping at some of the boutiques. Too bad Nora had her eye on a $70-dress. Mama don't play that.

Finally, the sun fully emerged, so we went back to home and set up to watch our neighborhood parade:

Here it comes!!

All the paraders threw candy out for the kids. We racked up!!! Better than Halloween!!

The "Bumper Cars"

Horsies!!

More fun and candy!!!

Some paraders even threw treats for the dogs!! Henry enjoyed several doggie biscuits. So thoughtful!

Our loot!!

After the parade, we came home and immediately applied our patriotic tattoos that we found in our treat-bag:

We also played a few patriotic tunes (Ella is getting so good on the piano - she loves it!!)

After dinner, we headed to the pontoon to wait on the fireworks show. As you can see, Mother Nature was looking a bit angry again. She was quite indecisive (and annoying):

Still, the clouds were beautiful, and the live music at the marina was filled with American pride!! Made everyone tear up a time or two :)

Cheers!!! Merica!!!

Some friendly neighbors were sharing red, white, and blue popsicles. You know we don't pass up "poppies."

Doing a little boat-dancing:

Using Daddy's makeshift potty. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.

Right when it got dark enough for fireworks, it started raining, and steadily got harder. Still that didn't stop the show. It was still amazing and beautiful despite the eventual monsoon. Excuse the picture overload of firework pictures.....they were just so awesome in the rain:

This picture turned out blurry, but I had to post it: This is Nora singing and squealing in the MONSOON and loving every minute of it. Such a priceless sight.

By the time we made it back to the car, we were all SOAKED and freezing!!

We came home and put on Daddy's t-shirts and had a late-night snack of popcorn and M&M's :)

The next morning, we had all intentions of attending the Church service on our neighborhood beach at 8:30. BUT, we all slept until 9:15!!! You have no idea what an accomplishment that is for us!! None of us could believe it!! So, after making brunch, we headed back over to the boat (excuse Ella's massive wedgie). :)

Henry tries so very hard to swim, but he just can't. He paddles for about 3.5 seconds, then sinks like a brick. Of course, we would adopt the only dog on the planet that can't swim. Our friendly neighbor gave Henry his very own life jacket so he can now float with the fam. :)

MERICA!!!

Trying so hard to get Henry to face his fear and jump in:

Finally:

SUCCESS!!

Little caregiver snuggling her cold, wet pup:

All is right in the world with your Frozen barbies in hand :)

The weather was still trying to recover, but it made for a beautiful day!!

Just can't beat that snaggle smile!!

We ended our boat excursion by enjoying the boat parade:

The boats were so awesome. The winner with the best boat decorations receives free food from Dockside Marina. We are TOTALLY ENTERING NEXT YEAR!!! We've already planned how we are going to decorate. These other boats are going down!!