two for the red, white, and blue

   Of course, this was our first Fourth of July with two kiddos.  The girls were precious in their red, white, and blue.  The Sadlers invited us to their neighborhood celebration on Sunday night.  Paul and Emma Jane swam in the pool while Vivi and I hung out by the river.  We knew the fireworks would be too late and too loud for little Viv, so Paul took her home and Emma Jane and I stayed for the show.  The fireworks were pretty spectacular and, yes, they were LOUD!  At first, Emma Jane was a little overwhelmed by it all, but she finally decided it was pretty cool.  It was the perfect ending to a fun-filled night.

I had to add this last photo as a reminder that we celebrated Emma Jane's 1st birthday on our first July 4th in Columbia.  My how she has changed!