My Country, Tis of Thee

We had such a great 4th of July weekend this year.  Well, did I expect anything less? My college roommate Tanya and friend Melody came to visit and the whole weekend was picture perfect. See?

Mia scored with a super cool birthday gift from Aunt Tanya, a Dora the Explorer snow cone maker. Which they LOVED! Thanks! 

And about ten minutes after the kids were asleep we found ourselves laughing and reminiscing of days gone by. We threw calorie counting to the wind and truly lived from meal to meal, thanks to Eugene. I would have taken more pictures but I was too busy EATING to pick up the camera. Although, I did manage to snap this pic of Eugene's seafood paella. 

Seriously, this is the kind of food he just "whips" up. If you ever plan to visit--make sure it's when Eugene is in town cuz all I can "whip" up is a PB&J! For realz.

We did manage to sneak out for an adult lunch where we gorged on Japanese beer and sushi rolls. 

Scoring some major points with my kids, Tanya and Melody donned their aprons and they all baked a birthday cake for the United States of America. 

And yes, they sang happy birthday. Not with this particular cake but at the red, white and blue waffles we had the next morning. Like I said, we ate a lot!

But the best part? The best part was when we got to watch Jerry McGuire. This was our movie. We knew every word in every scene and like no time had passed, we recited it yet again.

I looooove black people. Show me the money!!!

It's on instant Netflix, so go watch it now. It's just as good today as it was in 96'. 

We also hit up our local 4th of July fest. Where the kids HAD to ride a train that went about 2 mph. They also HAD to jump in the bouncy and they most definitely HAD to ride the ponies. 

It was great to be together again. 

After a shared smoothie,

and an akward photo op with Max the clown,

they had their face painted.

Or in Bella's case her arm. It's a personal space thing.

Not only was it great spending some much needed adult time together but Tanya and Melody, you treated our kids as if they were a part of your family.  And for that, we're so grateful. 

It only took about 3 minutes of sizing Melody up on my care taker compatibility chart to know that she's a rockstar with kids. I mean look at this. Kid magnet!

Thanks girls for making it such a great weekend and of course

Happy Birthday to You. S.A.!