Happy Independence Day

It's the 4th of July!!!

Woo-Hoo

We aren't venturing out much these days so we have gotten creative with other ways to celebrate. 

In preparation for the BIG day, we decided to do some fun activities. 

First up...Red, White and Blue Mickey Mouse tie-dye shirts for the WHOLE FAM!!!

All you do is trace on a pattern.

 

Stitch around the pattern using a double strand of dental floss (the wax kind). 

Gather the floss and tie it TIGHT!!!

Now bunch up the rest of the shirt and rubber band it in about two inch increments. 

Then the FUN begins!!! 

(Don't forget the gloves.)

Let it set. Rinse. Wash. Dry.

The finished product...can YOU see the Mickey? 

OK...what's up next?

What is the 4th without some FLOUR COOKIES?!?!?

 ...and some very special helpers! 

 

...especially our newest little sous chef.

Since we are in the spirit of baking, how about some homemade ice cream. 

I know, I know...technically this isn't baking but who is keeping track anyway?!?!?

Ice cream in a bag is the easiest stuff to make; even when the temperature is in the triple digits like it was this day.

 Shake, shake, shake...shake, shake, shake...shake that ice cream!!!

Now comes the best part ever.

EATING!!!

 Aubrey got a piece of rock salt in hers which sort of ruined the moment...

...Mady was perfectly content to finish Aubrey's bag too.

 

We started the 4th by attending a pancake breakfast.

The girls made crowns which Daddy wore proudly!

And they played with their favorite little person, Hannah.

When we got home, we started preparations for dinner.  Geoff made ribs (they were amazing) amongst other things and I whipped up some patriotic cupcakes.

Grandma and Grandpa joined us for dinner!  That was special fun!!!

Logan slept through all of the festivities.

Later that night we enjoyed some fireworks with friends.

Daddy and Logan watched from upstairs.

We hope you had a happy 4th too!!!