July 4th, 2012

In terms of weather, this was the BEST 4th of July in a long time.   It stayed overcast and cool all morning.   The sun finally broke through around 2pm,  right as we were leaving to go to the Aken's annual pool party and barbeque.

Happy 4th of July from Sydney!



Happy 4th of July from Annabelle!
(LOL)




Big sister comes to make everything all better




Here, let me wipe away your tears.  It's Okay baby.



All better now!

I love the way Annabelle is looking at her big sister in this picture

Horizontal stripes:   A fashion disaster

Sydney in her new Puddle Jumper.    She wasn't loving learning to float.  
She just wanted to get in the blowup boat  that she used last year.

And since Annabelle wigged out with her first try in the pool... Syd ends up in the boat.

Annabelle chilling in the shade of a nice lemon tree with mommy.

Annabelle in the pool - Take #2.



That lasted about 3 mins.  Annabelle back on the sidelines with Mommy.
I call this her "Mother Teresa" look
Note:   I am SOOOOO glad I brought their little chairs from home.



Annabelle in the pool - Take #3.
Doing better this time.

My little water-monkey.   You'd think with her pre-natal status, she'd be a natural in the pool.

Sydney gave up the little blow-up boat - for this pool noodle mesh chair thing.
She floated in this the rest of the time.

The little boat, and it's intended Captain



Finally, cracking a hint of a smile.



look at her go!   Can't believe that next year for this party, she'll be 2 and a half!

Syd still floating



and occasionally kicking her feet.




After some good old fashioned BBQ (ribs, beans, potato salad)... there was cake!



back in our patriotic attire.  posing with the lemon tree

All 4 Rock girls.  
Somehow in these pics - Denise ALWAYS has Annabelle and Delayne Always has Sydney.

Red, White, and Navy Blue cousins



big flag and baby flag



5 mile drive home = Zzzzzzzzzzzz

ditto