The 3rd of July

I like having the Third of July to count on in Lonsdale as the day to celebrate the Fourth. Of course we celebrate the Fourth of July too, but the Third of July is special because we can usually get people together to celebrate and they usually don't have to work the next day!  Ahhh, summer...

We have done different things for the third in the past, had different people over, gone to parties, or just stayed home. This year we planned a party with our neighbors, the Hoppe's.  I love to throw parties and have a good time. I love to plan the decorations, the guest list, the food, drinks, and fun activities.  I love it and truth be told, I may go a titch overboard, but did I say I love it, so who cares?

This year we invited mostly friends that have kids around our own kids' ages and some family.  

We had the garage decked out with the food and drinks. 

Oh! And we got a bouncy house for the kids (and adults)

The kids also through some pop-its, played with some home made chalk, rode around the kids tractor and bikes, played with the water guns, threw some short lived water balloons, and went swimming.

Sam's mom, Cindy, came up with such a cute craft idea for boats in the pool.  I can't speak for all the kids (although I think I could), but my kids loved the craft.  Alex made two!

Tied for the bouncy house as being my favorite would be the Chinese lanterns.  We see the same house set them off on Prior Lake every year, and when I saw them on Groupon, I couldn't resist.  We had such a fun time setting them off and watching them float away.

 We did fireworks and sparklers too..

And, of course, watched the fireworks. They set them off on the hill behind our house (best view I would argue). 

 

 I thank everyone for coming, we had a wonderful day and hope to continue to be able to celebrate like this.  We could not have asked for a more beautiful day!