4th of July

 Since we spent the 3rd at the ranch we had the opportunity to relax all day on the 4th and go swimming at my parents house in the evening.  It really was nice to have a more laid back day when Matt wasn't working since he usually has lots of chores and odd jobs around the house that he tries to do on the weekends. 

 This also marked Amelia's first time in the pool

 She really seemed to enjoy it, especially when Matt would put his face underwater, then resurface and make silly faces at her.  That was some pretty funny stuff in her 5-month-old opinion.

 This also marked the first time Melanie jumped off the diving board.

 She really enjoyed it and jumped several times, getting more confident each time.

Practicing floating

 Having a squirt fight with Pa

 Claire had fallen asleep on the way to my parents' house, but Matt didn't want her to be upset about missing all the swimming so he woke her up after about 45 minutes.  That made for an interesting evening dealing with the delicate balance required to keep Claire in good spirits.  Basically, as long as she got what she wanted right when she wanted it we were all OK, but we definitely had our moments.

 Claire was OK with sharing the lounger like this

 She was not OK with sharing like this

 All is right with the world once again!

 Sweet sisters getting ready for some fireworks

 Claire's fireworks dance

 Dancing her pants off.  Literally.

 Amelia with godmother Aunt Amber

 Dad said we're done throwing poppers :(

 Melanie did not appreciate the loud firework Matt set off

 Claire liked it quite well though

 Amelia kept trying to grab Claire's popsicle so we let her have a taste

 She didn't like it

She much prefers her thumb

 The big girls liked their popsicles just fine though

Time to go home resulted in more pouting.  She's getting really good at it, much to our chagrin.