Surprise Trip to Livermore for the 4th of July

The 4th of July is my 2nd favorite holiday (the 1st being Christmas, and Thanksgiving is close 3rd). It probably goes back to my childhood memories of the 4th in Idaho Falls at my Grandma Williams' with all my cousins. We'd camp out her in backyard the night before, get up early for the parade, BBQ in the afternoon, and head down by the river or to the ballpark to watch the amazing fireworks. I always loved laying underneath the fireworks - even with the occasional singe. The 4th of July means family and a time to remember how blessed we are to live in this beautiful free country, a time to remember those who have and still serve to protect our freedom.

We've been asking around for the last couple of weeks what families do for the 4th in the LA/Santa Monica area. We finally decided to head to the beach for the day, BBQ at our place in the evening, and then watch the fireworks from...well, somewhere. Fun plans, right? That was until Aaron found out that not only did he have the 4th off, but also Thursday and Friday! So, at 9pm the night of the 3rd - Aaron called and gave me the happy news that I should get me and Livi packed and ready to go for a last minute road trip! Twist my arm. By 1am, I had us packed and ready to go; I even had did a quick house clean, cleaned out the fridge, and laid out food for our neighbors to enjoy. Because we had planned for our little family BBQ, I had already purchased meat for hamburger patties, corn, berries, chips, dip, the works. But thanks to a good sized cooler and ice we would buy at 7-Eleven, I planned to take most of it with us. We got a good night's sleep and left around 8am. We decided to surprise my family, and so when we were 2 hours out Aaron called to say that we were bringing the meat and corn for the BBQ. :) Lala was pretty darn excited, as you might imagine.

The drive was quick and easy (our quickest yet, under 5 hours, no stopping), and we had an amazingly warm and happy welcome from Lala, Grandpa and Uncle Jordan. Olivia had been dozey until she saw Lala in the driveway; instantly she lit up and couldn't wait to get our of her carseat. We haven't really seen her since. She's attached to Lala's hip.

We love movies, and since the Amazing Spider-man just opened yesterday, we couldn't resist. Our favorite babysitter Mikki came over to watch Olivia (who conveniently went down for a nap), and we were off! Even with the holiday crowds, we had great seats (thanks to Dad and Jordan waiting in "line" - it was more a crowd - and Aaron running into the theater). We all loved the movie. A summer must-see! No spoilers here.

After the movie, the Barlows came over to barbecue with us. Delicious hamburgers, grilled corn, patriotic pasta, chips/dip, fruit, and great pop. Yum! The kids ran around and played in the backyard; Sammie was so good to take care of Olivia - and put up with her following her around and stealing her beach ball. Sammie and Spencer even watered all the plants! Aaron played ball with the kids, although Livi wasn't big on sharing - the ball or her Daddy. We love the Barlows, thanks for joining us!

All of us on the 4th of July!

Playing ball with Aaron.

Yummy burgers with my man.

So cute - Mommy Chelsea and her little man Spencer!

2 of my favorite men at the barbecue.

Daddy's girl.

How cute is this little guy?

Daddy, I'm not a basketball! Don't dunk me!

Enough kisses Daddy! 

Me and my brother Jordan. Love this kid.

Lala and her Livi Girl.

Chowin' down! 

Mike and Aaron, just chillin'.

Beautiful Girl.

Playing ball with Daddy. 

The kids at play. I love Spencer watering the fountain.

Cute cute Sammie.

It was a quick cleanup effort so we could head our to our fireworks spot that Mike found for us. We picked up Logan on the way, and met up with Mike's family at the park. The men (and Liv) played football, Laurie made glowstick necklaces and bracelets for all the kiddos (and adults), and we enjoyed an evening of hanging out (and watching the sprinkler rotation to avoid having our chairs/blankets soaked through). Olivia fell in love with Mike's Mom's little puppy, Toby. She insisted on walking with "Grandma Barlow" and Toby for most of the evening.

Boys will be boys.

Glowsticks with Lala!

Grandpa and his little girl.

Livi and Toby!

Fireworks are about to start!

The fireworks show was great. The music on KKIQ was awesome this year - all throwback, classic, beloved patriotic songs. Although the fireworks were a little far away - we had a clear view. You can't have the 4th of July without fireworks. Olivia sat with Lala and Grandpa, and although she was intrigued with the fireworks at the beginning, she was sound asleep by the end. :) Darling girl. She woke up shortly after as we were packing up, and was quite the hyper diaper until we got her home and in bed. She was even attacking Grandpa with her glowsticks in the car!

It was a fun, fabulous, festive, family and friends day. Thanks to Mom and Dad and Jordan for accommodating us so last minute! We sure wished we could have had Lisa, Michelle, and Josh here with us - but I guess someone had to represent us in Utah and Missouri! Happy 4th of July everyone!