***WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES TO FOLLOW!***

We had a really fun 4th of July this year. Tony’s Abeulita from San Jose was in Cleveland visiting so we headed up there for the weekend.

We went to a parade in Lakewood. Mason could have cared less. Even when they threw candy. Doesn’t he know he’s supposed to get it to give to his sweet mother?

Ethan got into the spirit by chewing on his stroller strap and waving the stars and stripes.

Since we were so close to Lake Erie, we walked over to take a peak. Then we drove to a pier so the kids could see the boats, waves, cityline, and walk on the rocks.

It was all a bit much for Ethan, as you can see.

What’s the 4th without a cookout? Tony’s parents hosted the party. We had some s’mores (I know that July = HOT but who can pass up the combination of fire, melted marshmellows, and CHOCOLATE?)

Mason had fun playing in a tent and with cousin Daniel.

We also went to the hospital and visited Grandma Rice. She was in such good spirits. The kids loved the view of the city from there, too, and still talk about it. Plus the fun rides in the elevator while the adults talked. We left late so the kids got to ride home in their new pjs from Great Abuelita.

Unfortunately, Ethan was the only one who fell asleep. The older two twerps were awake the whole way home.

-g.