With that being said, lets go back to July. We spent 4th of July this year in NY. It has been a long time since we have done that. Actually, Taylor has never been there for that particular holiday, so it was nice to share it with her. As a tradition, my dad buys a few hundred dollars of fireworks from his 'guy' and they are lit off at the lake we live on. These aren't any old fireworks-not bottle rockets, roman candles-they are like what you see on tv. Each year the cops come and decide that they will stay for desert and coffee, and of course the show. Most of them comment how our little production is way better than the local city's. It is pretty comical.
We took the kids to their first 'fair.' A lot like the Puyallup, but smaller, and without the live animals. It was something we would do every year, sometimes a few times during the time it was in town. We never bought enough tickets for the rides-that was always frustrating! Chad, however bought plenty-to the point where we had to GIVE them away because the kids were pooped! Since we went on opening day we were able to watch the parade.
We stood at the fire department and watched all of the engines and ladders come into town. The kids were in awe! Funny how something like a firetruck becomes so magical to a child. 
Sadly for Jack, we noticed he was coming down with a fever...so the night was cut short.We made a special trip to the Bronx Zoo, which was fantastic. The weather was perfect and the kids behaved. Apparently, on Wednesdays it is free so the 'element' head there. We opted for a busy Friday, but didn't care. The only regret we had of the day is that the camera battery was DEAD. So after all the talk of the zoo my only picture is the one from the Bug Merry-Go-Round-and was not my finest moment!
We headed back home two days before July 20th-a very special day to us-Jack turned 1! I still can't believe it. It feels like only yesterday we were heading to Overlake for my c-section. The time with him has gone SO fast, way faster than with Taylor. I feel like he has been shortchanged since he went from newborn to toddler, but I guess that happens with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th...ok, are you crazy???
Anyway, we had his birthday at the house. It was a tropical beach theme. Blues, greens, browns, and yellows.
Yes, I am neurotic like that! It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. The bounce house was up for the kids to enjoy and keep cool. Sadly, I think we had a few adults that wanted to join the fun! His favorite gift: The Little People Garage (although he has had to pry it from his sister's hands).
Oh yes, and as if the day wasn't eventful enough, Jack decided it was a great day to start walking!
