Echo is still trying to get her mouth around Independence Day… so often it is America Day. And ours was on the relaxing side. We actually had a bit of a celebration the day before with the Schwartz family. Full on fun – a pool, bouncy house AND we made poutine.

Ken and I brought some Molson Canadian to further meld the two holidays together. And Renee had the kids make ice cream.

Of course we started with photos on the 4th.

Note ZANDER is in WHITE

Gavin and Zander

Then… making of the snacks we were taking to our homeschool buds’ for dinner. (don’t forget making the kids clean while they waited for our leave time)

Our fun was on the relaxing side. Aimee had water balloons.

And then there was the mini firework type fun.

Throw in computers and toys and we rarely saw the kids.

Shucking corn

We were done and dusted and in bed only a little after normal bedtime. PERFECT!

So a belated HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all who celebrated. Our day was a calm one, just how we like it!

Of course with two major holidays (ok in two different countries but major to US) within such proximity to each other there HAS TO BE overflow images… so sit back and enjoy!!!

Can you spot the dragonfly at Walker Sculpture Garden on Canada Day?

Just us Canadian Girls showing our pride

Lucky clover? Couldn’t find any with 4 leaves

O’ Canada!

Where Canada and the United State meet..

The cousins with all of their cousins (both sides)

Rocking the addition of blue

Gavin and Zander

My baby boy

Trinity and her friend

Glow Necklace!

Goof balls

Jeffrey!

Cows

Well if we celebrate our homeland we must, of course, celebrate our new home’s birthday as well. However, this year not only was it the other side of the kids’ nationality, it was also the absolute opposite type of day. Where Canada Day was laid back and relaxed, full of colouring… playing in a garden and just us 7 transplanted peoples… July 4th was crazy busy and crowded and… LOUD! As Ken says (jokingly?) – it was all things AMERICAN.

July 4th is not only the birth of Independence and red, white and blue, but the birth of our only niece Gabriella. She turned 13 this year and due to an extended vacation (which I will talk ALL about when I FINALLY reflect on June) here in sunny Minnesota she was in state for her special day.

After breakfast and family pictures in the colours of the day… of course we took MULTIPLE! Poor Trinity has yet to forgive me after I had to give her sister her Hello Kitty themed July 4th shirt which had daddy running to the store the night before to get her the outfit for the day (a decidedly kitty free piece).

Then it was off to Cousin Gabbi’s 13th birthday party at a park not far from where Ken lived for most of his childhood (which we of course found a way to drive by). There was cake and presents and fun at the park.

Definitely a fun way for the kids to spend the morning before we said good bye to everyone… especially Aunty Faithe and Uncle Joe who would be flying back without seeing us again. Then it was home to prepare for our original plan – a family and friends BBQ at the Speltz’s (Karen Matthews and Renee Schwartz’s parents).

It was quite the event. The girls and I got to go LAST July 4th when the boys and Ken were camping with the family. This year not only was our whole family there but Renee and Chris there with their 3 kids. There was a bouncy house, the kiddy pool, a swingset and tons of yummy food and drink. Definitely a fun time for everyone.

Chris and his cigars

Renee

Of course we stayed long enough for fireworks! They do up quite a show every year.

So we brought home 5 VERY tired kids on our 4th of July. It was great to spend it as a family this year!