4th of July

The 4th of July fell mid-week in 2012 - what a bummer!  On the Saturday prior to the 4th, we went Canoe-ing for the first time.  On the way, Cecilia pulled out her 2nd tooth so as to not lose it in the river.  We had so much fun canoe-ing!  Well, so much fun after Mama got a much needed lesson on driving a canoe after I unintentionally crashed my canoe into the river bank which threw my butt out - but luckily kept Cecilia on board.  Having never paddled anything in my life, it took a bit for me to get the hang of it.  (No pictures were taken, as my camera is not water proof.) 

That evening we went to a neighboring town's fireworks display and met up with a couple of friends and their kiddo's.  We listened to the local Symphony Orchestra for while before the fireworks began.  The fireworks display was really nice.  It was a bit loud for Karina's taste so we covered her ears and she watched the show.  Traffic was so nice - we were home in 15 mins after the show.  So nice compared to the 60+ mins we are used to from the congestion after the IL shows we have been to.  Although, I do miss seeing the fireworks with my sister and neices - we had such a nice tradition going.....

Cecilia, smiling to show off her 2nd lost tooth.

Danny and Cecilia watching the fireworks.

Mario covering Karina's ears so she could comfortably watch the fireworks show.

On the 4th, Mario, Danny and Cecilia went for a long bike ride in the 100 degree heat.  Karina and I elected to sit this one out.  I rescued the kids about 2 hours in after they had exhausted their water and Gatorade supplies.  Mario continued on the bike ride so met him at Riverfest an hour or so later.  Riverfest is our local carnival along the Mississippi River.  We watched a magic show for kids and a water ski show, the kids went on a few rides, we ate drank lots of lemonade and listened to a few bands.  Given the heat, we were thankful for lots of misting stations and the kids got to swim in the fountain!  They loved swimming in the fountain!  Cecilia made a friend in a 1 year old girl - also named Cecilia wearing a shirt with the same phrase.......my Cecilia loved it!  We didn't stay for the LaCrosse fireworks since it was a "work" night for Mario and we had already seen a nice display a few days prior.

Danny getting some "air".  Unfortunately, this is the "biggest" ride of the carnival.

Cecilia and Karina on the train. 

Bye Mom - see ya!

The fountain below is in Mario's view from his office at work.  I love that when he looks out his window he can see the fountain that his kiddo's swam in. 

Karina wasn't so sure of the fountain diving at first.

Danny loved the fountain "swim".  He was doing laps around the fountain!

Cecilia in the fountain.

D, K and C in the fountain!

Here are a few random shots from the day that I couldn't help but share.

Danny's pig won the pig race - this was his prize.

Cecilia's patriotic hair.

Karina "the destroyer" climbing the canon.