The 4th of July Slide

Most kids can only think fireworks when talking about the 4th of July. My kids on the other hand can only talk about doing "the greatest slip n' slide ever" every 4th. This year, we got fireworks out of the way a couple of days before the 4th when we went to Yankee Doodle Pops at the Iowa State Capitol, which only left my three fully focused on doing the "epic slide." Since I knew we'd be up late multiple nights in a row, I took the day after the 4th off to have a restful day (that we all needed).

All of our 4th fun started on July 2:

We parked downtown and walked by the river to see the flooding. Then we found ourselves at Zombie Burger for apps and milkshakes.

It was a gorgeous night for the patio!

We found our spot on Capitol grounds and spread out our blankets. The next hour and a half we were treated to the symphony, Simon Estates baritone voice, and the cannons shooting. Then we got to see the fireworks. Having never been to Yankee Doodle Pops previously, I mistakenly thought they shot off fireworks from behind the Capitol building. They actually shoot them off of the Grand Ave. bridge in downtown. Great view from the Capitol, but not exactly our spot, so we stood in the middle of the street to see them clearly. 

We've already stated when we go next year, we'll either sit along the river in downtown to have a perfect view or get to the Capitol grounds early to claim a spot.

So, earlier in the day, Miss E had a flip out moment and bit her shirt because it wouldn't go on properly. She managed to rip her gums in that whole ordeal and caused her to have her first loose tooth. A tissue sticking out of her mouth helped for some reason.

We were right by the potties. It didn't smell the best.

Waiting for fireworks can be tough. My minis brought workbooks to keep them busy (their own idea, not mine).

Cartwheels and handstands

Thankfully July 3rd was an incredibly relaxing day at daycare because we were beat from Yankee Doodle Pops. The kids played volleyball and badminton on and off throughout the day.

Elizabeth requested to "make somethin' in the kitchen." Um, okay? I pulled out baking soda, water, and lemonade. She concocted Lemonade "Snow" for the kids to play with outside. Sensory activities are such an easy way to keep the kids entertained.


We didn't have anywhere to be until early afternoon on the 4th, which meant we got to sleep in and have a relaxing morning. It also means we got to start our day with these Star Kiss pops from DQ. I hadn't had one of these since I was a kid!

The Des Moines Children's Museum partnered with the Windsor Heights Parade to do the Kids' and Pet portion of the parade. It was a HOT day so there wasn't a big turn out, but the job was easy enough that the minis stuck around to watch the parade. Thankfully, there was plenty of water and popsicles handed out that, despite being hot, they were happy.

It wouldn't be a family outing without at least one sibling squabble.

After the parade we cooled off at home before stopping for last minute necessities at Walmart. It was going to be a quick trip in and out, but the minis discovered LOTS of sales. One being these "amazing" mask heads (pictured below). Those were not purchased, but we left with new beach towels, drink bottles, and a few other things we didn't know we needed.

Then it was time for what the minis had been waiting for: the giant slip n' slide at my aunt and uncle's house! Most kids are excited about fireworks on the 4th. Mine eagerly anticipate the giant slide every year!

Dish soap, bug spray, and beers. Pretty good description of the night.

After dinner, the minis got to do sparklers and fireworks in the backyard. Most were roman candles, but the minis had picked out a few other specialties that included one that screamed when it was lit. That one was not my favorite.

An accidental selfie. I was trying to get a picture of Elizabeth cheering on the chair for more fireworks. I wished all of my accidental selfies looked this decent!

I was smart enough to take July 5th off this year, since I knew everyone would be beat after another late night out of the house. We had a very low key day at home that involved naps, McDonald's delivery, and opening night of Ant-Man and The Wasp. That's right, OPENING NIGHT. I haven't made it to an opening of a movie in over ten years! This was a big night for me.

When I rolled out of bed an hour after the minis had been awake, I discovered they had opened all of our new goodies from Walmart and were playing with them (including these hot dog baskets and corn on the cob holders). This is what I get for sleeping in.

This was a great Independence Day! The minis got their slide, I got some relaxation, and memories were made.