4th of July Weekend

We spent our 4th of July weekend the way that we love...up on the Range with my family, enjoying traditional festivities and togetherness :) Shortly after getting to the cabin on Friday morning, Jeff and my Dad headed out to scuba dive by the golf course on a mission to come back with golf balls. Growing up, one of my FAVORITE things to do was head out in the canoe and go across the lake to scoop up those little gems. We never did anything with the balls - it was just so exciting to spot them on the bottom of the lake and scoop them up - like a mini treasure hunt. Well - let's just say, underwater is the place to BE when it comes to finding golf balls...check out this load!!

We thought this was going to be Emilia's year to really get into everything that is the "Fourth"...the fireworks, the parade, the candy...but it looks like "3" may be her year...not "2". She had a suit case full of red, white and blue, ready to look the part of a real 4th of July enthusiast. We decided to let her stay up late on Friday so we could watch the Eveleth fireworks. A quick family pic before we headed out to watch the fireworks. After the first firework went off, we realized, Emilia did NOT love the loud, bright "colors" and instead laid on Jeff's shoulder with her eyes tightly closed until it was over.

The next morning was the parade! We fueled her up with breakfast, handed her a little flag to wave and a bucket to collect candy, then took our spots for the parade. Once the parade started and the loud sirens starting blaring, she wanted "up-ie" and resorted back to her "Charleston legs" that would curl up when we attempted to stand her up on the ground. It was our job to collect "yummy's" for her tin as there was NO WAY she was going to participate.

After the parade, we headed up to the Elk's to cool off after the parade. Emilia enjoyed a blue raspberry sucker while the rest of us enjoyed a refreshment or two :) We got a 4 generation picture before heading back to the cabin for the BBQ and Bocce Ball Tournament. Emilia got a nap in and spent the rest of the day convincing anyone who would listen to give her a "yummy" and push her in the swing.

Sunday, we had a low key day with a birthday breakfast in the morning for my Grandpa and some sandbox and bubble time with Emilia, my Grandma and Auntie Amy :) I live for these moments.

We had a great time and are reminded how blessed we are that Emilia is able to know and love all 4 of my grandparents. It's so amazing to see the love they have for each other and nothing is sweeter then seeing her recognize just who they all are...Nonna, Nonno, Great Grampa and Great Gramma!