Our Fourth of July

Belated, but, when you figure that the birthday party post was 22 days late, this is pretty good!
The Fourth was supposed to be the day the Willis clan headed home, unfortunately, Guerin's bilirubin was still too high, so they weren't able to leave. After talking to Van and learning that Jodie was at the hospital, I headed down there, leaving my boys to fend for themselves. (Truth be told, I think they both really enjoyed not having me there saying do this and do that.) Poor Jodie, to be on such a high the night before, only to find out your child must stay in the NICU yet another day. Since we were going to the beach for the fourth, we decided Davis should come with us - much more fun for him and that way Van could be with Jodie all day. So off we went, Davis and I. I called B to let him know we were on the way home and was immediately barred from entering my house. Reeves had just gone down for a nap, and unless we wanted to ruin the rest of the day, we better find something to do for the next couple of hours. So we detoured through the old Navy Base. How appropos that the son of the town administrator of Port Royal and I should happen upon this engine!

Serendipity - Port Royal and trains all in one! After our photo session on the tracks, we headed home just before Reeves woke up from his nap.
We loaded up the boys and their gear in my car. Bryant had to go track down his wallet - a quick jaunt that turned out to be an all day affair. Anyway, lunch for R and D was in order as soon as we got to The Ark. I think both boys were a little overwhelmed at first by the mass of people who greeted them, but it wasn't long before they warmed up to everyone. This day marked Reeves' first hot dog, albeit a chicken one from Whole Foods, but a dog nonetheless, and he loved it. I couldn't cut it up fast enough. He and Davis inhaled their lunches.
Then it was time to get changed, lathered up, and head down to the beach. Thank heavens Grandmother and Poppa had rented a golfcart for the week. Even with the children climbing all over him, Miller was an excellent chauffeur.

What fun it was watching Leeze, Reeves, and Davis play. I wonder how old we are when sand in our suits starts to bother us? I can still make myself put mind over matter and deal with it, but deep down, it drives me crazy. But not these three - the more sand, the better. I love that they could care less how dirty they get; that you can just strip them all down and put them under the shower when you get back, wrap them up in a towel, diaper, and t-shirt and that's all they need. Well, that and watermelon.

For some reason, the boys didn't care a bit how dirty they got eating it.

Leeze, on the other hand, stayed nice and clean.
Finally, in an effort to completely push the limits of activities any child can handle, we took them to watch the fireworks at the Yorktown.

We met the Moyles and Judy at Troy's office. It was the perfect place from which to watch.

It was a great show, but started way too late and, I never thought I'd say this about a fireworks show, lasted too long. After the show, Bryant and I decided to divide and conquer. He took Reeves home, and I took Davis back to the Rhett's. We had all renewed our patriotism and were exhausted from it!
Reagan and Sarah, we continue to miss you at the family gatherings!! Come home soon!!