Just a little freaked out

What better way to celebrate America's independence than with a little sparkle? Josie was in awe of these classics last year and wanted to try holding one this year.  DD sprang into action and our brave little lady gave it a try. Her face is absolutely priceless in these!

And speaking of being just a little freaked out, check out this sassy little pose she did for the camera. Where did this attitude come from? (Complete with tongue sticking out.) Oh heavens, I think her "almost 3-ness" is showing!

It's family time

So there's a lot to be said for just hanging out in your pj's well into the afternoon with a big bag full of sidewalk chalk...

I promise to get a hopscotch video uploaded very soon (now that blogger has an easy way again!) but for now I'll just tease you with this photo.  (Thanks Tio for the awesome hopscotch work!)

Nothing more precious than little Lyla Anne sitting in the sunshine...

TEA Party with Grandma - and apparently this is some darn good tea.

And if ever any of you needed any proof of Josie's undying love for Lyla, here it is. Exhibit A: Josie let Lyla ride her Rody all weekend!  (You can't tell but Josie's next to her on her new "hippity hop.")

Be sure to come back tomorrow (or maybe the next day) for all the photos from our big night out to Coney Island.  I am totally saving the best for last!

Who needs fireworks anyway?

Since the Fourth of July holiday is the whole reason we were able to get together in the first place, I thought I'd start with these photos.  I also love these because we are beyond-thrilled to be a part of a family-centered neighborhood. (Don't get me wrong, we loved the city but this is something totally different!)  Here are some pics from our neighborhood parade and BBQ/Pool Party.  We were amazed to see just how many young families live in our neighborhood, and we met lots of kids Josie's age that are sure to become buddies over the years.  And, what's more - we had my whole family there to share the fun!  Here are some of my favorite pics from the 4th! (Special thanks to Grandma Marilee for the matching holiday outfits & swimming suits. And to Grandma "Fifi" for the blackberry cobbler that was the hit of the dessert table!)

Awesome park (that we just discovered) just a couple of blocks from our house! And check out those festive outfits!

Two peas in a pod!

 Look - our neighborhood has trees! And families! And a local fire company that spends their fourth leading a parade of kids and then ceremonially throws their rookies into the pool! And did I mention all the kids?!

Pool Party!

My favorite pic of the day!

And, now for the sad part... (Please don't tell anyone in our neighborhood that we were "those people" who brought our sick kid to the BBQ.) Josie totally had a fever most of the weekend, which you can see above didn't slow her down too much. BUT it definitely caught up to her about an hour into the party when she literally passed out in her baked beans and then finished her nap on this shady swing with her daddy.

 Here's the many more holidays in East Walnut Hills!