Independence

July 4, 2011

A long weekend, but a busy one nontheless.  On Saturday, we met Glamma and Grandpa in Oakton to share one last meal with David and Melissa before they each traveled far away, albeit in opposite directions for the time being.  James had a blast enjoying the open yard and dressing up in the booties meant to be used by house-hunters on the white carpet.  We all indulged him  in putting the slippers on our heads too.

By early afternoon, it was nap time, and time to get on the road.  We drove south to Mathews for the Ness' annual July 4th reunion.  We had a leisurely morning on Sunday, hanging out with Uncle Zak, Dodo and Breyden.  The afternoon was spent at the Colacchi's drinking, eating and playing in the pool.  As the sun set, we returned home to avoid the dreaded July 4th traffic.

On Monday, we hosted two rounds of guests:  the Decker clan in the first part of the day and the Johnsons for the evening.  James has been untested to firework's noise and lights, so to avoid the neighbor's show outside his window we headed to the Mall with the masses to see the nation's preeminent firework show.  It was late, and James did admirably, considering.  He fell asleep in the stroller on the way home despite ongoing neighborhood pyrotechnics.  Drama avoided, we all slept like logs.  Tuesday is another work day!

James dresses up in bootie-hats and rubber gloves...

And ensures that everyone else has a hat, too!

On the way to the beach.

James took awhile to get used to the tide.