Visitors and Visitors and Visitors Oh My!

We had a pretty eventful 4th of July holiday weekend this past weekend.  Not only did we have Cousin Calyn's 1st Birthday party on Saturday and the holiday of course, but we had tons of visitors in town.  The Browns came from Little Rock for the weekend and stayed with us.  We were also lucky to have Grandpa Des come from Nebraska to stay with us for the entire weekend.  Uncle Mike and Aunt Mallory drove in from South Dakota for the party, and they came to visit us several times.  We also got to see Uncle Jim, Aunt Nola, Cousin Stella, G & G Barb & Barney who all drove in from Nebraska for Calyn's birthday.  And, we of course go to spend time with Uncle Greg, Aunt Emily and Cousin Calyn who we don't get to see enough living so close.  It was a VERY busy, yet fun-filled weekend.

We seemed to either always be on the run to an air conditioned restaurant or anything we could think of to beat the heat.  Mother Nature did us no favors this year as we moved from a cool Spring to a VERY HOT summer.  The temperatures have stayed right around 100 for quite some time now, and it makes outdoor activities really difficult with little ones!  However, we were able to sneak in a fun boat ride with Grandpa Des and the Browns, a pool day at the Millers, Calyn's 1st birthday party, fireworks on the boat, fireworks at our house, many good dinners and play time. 

Saturday, July 2nd, was Calyn's birthday and party.  Despite the fact that it was miserably hot, we had such a fun time!  Calyn had a pool and other outdoor activities but paired with the over tired factor and heat, Kyley did not get in the water.  However, she did enjoy the company of all of the family and Calyn's friends at Calyn's Grandma & Grandpa Higgins house.  Calyn loved her cake and all of her gifts.   We will have so much fun celebrating with her over the years.  I know we have said it before, but we are so lucky to live so close.

Sunday, we spent the day at the Miller's pool with the old crew (Kubik's, Brown's, Miller's and Ewy's) and then finished up with fireworks at our house.  We were not sure what Kyley would think of them, and we were very surprised to learn that she really liked them.  She would just sit and stare at the lights, and when they made sound she would stare even more...a few startles and hands on the head in response to the loud ones.  But, she did not shed any tears or look away...in fact she was looking around people and objects to see them.

The 4th of July holds a special place in our hearts for reasons outside of the obvious.  Last year Kyley was released from the NICU on the 4th and allowed to come home with us.  Her Cousin Calyn also went home from the hospital that day.  It was such an exciting day...a bit nerve-wracking though too.  What a homecoming, right?  Well, she celebrated in true fashion this year with lots of family and friends, on the boat and a neighborhood fireworks show that you cannot beat!  We are so VERY blessed. 

Thankfully the weekend did not fly by (unlike most these days), and we really got to enjoy our visitors and friends as much as possible.  We hope to celebrate every 4th of July as we did this one!