It's Independence Day...

And on the third day... we celebrated America's Independence Day and these three firecrackers were pretty excited for some fun!

(ahem, Sarah... could you perhaps be persuaded to take a tiny trip to Baton Rouge because pictures on my MaMaw and PaPaw's front porch would be amazing!)

We headed downtown for all the fun and festivities that we had heard so much about... but there was one little problem. Nothing started until noon. Oops. Radley was easily convinced to tour the Kidd one more time, so he, Ryan, Pops, Emersyn, Jeremy and Cristina headed to the ship while me, Mom and Landry hung out in the shade. 

Then we set out to find some lunch and it was actually pretty awesome to be some of the only people downtown. The weather was nice and the scenery was gorgeous. Check out the old Louisiana State Capital. 

Ryan and Pops worked hard for an extra appetite. 

:)

We also scouted out our spot to watch the fireworks later that night. We found the perfect hill overlooking the Mississippi River... 

that doubled as a great photo spot!

Ryan and I had spotted a fun pizzeria on a previous trip to BR so we headed there for lunch. I mean, what says "celebrating America's Independence" like pizza?

Well, I guess the beer that went along with it evened things out a bit. Especially since Pops was drinking him some good 'ol Budweiser. Landry had her first taste, too... and sadly she liked it and kept signing "more". 

(Please do not turn us into CPS)

If you're ever in Baton Rouge, check out Schlitz and Giggles (I know... best.name.ever.) and don't judge them by the waitresses ability to take a good picture, because the pizza was delicious!

 We headed home for naps and a quick visit with MaMaw then drove back downtown to begin celebrating. I just adore the 4th of July. I love what we celebrate, what we remember, what we reflect upon. I love that there is no pressure other than to get together with loved ones. I love that we get to teach our kids about the many sacrifices that were made just for us.

I love that this is a holiday for every single person that calls the USA home. 

By the time we arrived back downtown the party was in full swing. Live music, food vendors, street vendors, you name it and we saw it. 

 Ryan found the best Italian snow cone stand for us to enjoy a cool treat while we just enjoyed each other's company and took in the sights around us.

At 6:30pm, they held a mock attack on the USS Kidd. Planes flew in and shot fake missiles while the Kidd fired back. The planes went down in smoke and everyone was just going crazy with excitement. 

Except Emmy, who hates loud noises and was trying to hide in Gigi's lap.

Emmy decided she wanted her face painted...and like most things, quickly changed her mind when she saw that it was air brushed onto your face. But Radley was all in  and decided on a patriotic(ish) Batman.

We had a great night just hanging out, listening to music, tasting the food, and being with those we love.

There is a water fountain/display/drainage system type thing right next to the river and TONS of kids were just jumping in, fully dressed, and playing. Radley kept watching them and wanted to get in, but we passed on that activity.

;)

Our All American Girl...

Our All American Boy!

and our very own Miss Independent! :)

We eventually gathered all of our stuff and moved to our chosen fireworks watching perch. 

Gigi brought poppers which made us a very popular group.

And as the kids made friends and the sun went down, we got cooled off by the smallest little rain storm and a quiet breeze. (It may have been our favorite part of the day).

Then it was time for the show!!

(Emmy started out all smiles)

and as the first few fireworks went off....

Radley was READY

Emmy was not

and

Landry was practically asleep!

They put on a great show

(note to self: read Pinterest for "how to take great pictures of fireworks next year)

Radley loved them, Emmy warmed up to them, and Landry fell asleep.

Then the show was over and the day came to an end. We headed back to MaMaws and fell asleep.

Thankful for our freedoms. Thankful for our families. Thankful for the many blessings we get to experience because of this day.