On Friday evening, we were invited to tag along with our next-door neighbors to a party where Patrick would be playing guitar with a couple of friends, followed by a private fireworks show. We were graciously welcomed by the party hosts, who live on a beautiful plot of land a bit north of where we live!
It is, of course, very hot here, but when we set up our blankets and chairs in the shade cast by the house, a slight breeze made it actually quiet pleasant, and we had a good time playing together, listening to the music, and watching the fireworks (well... mostly. More on that later!)
Beautiful Keeley...
Patrick, with his little drummer boy, Ethan!
(Patrick was actually mugging for the camera here, but it turned out cute, so nyeah!!! :P)
Hmmm... grumping already?
Some silliness from the boys! (Luken with Jacob.)
And Keeley rearranging the chair and peeking over. (I had brought the chairs thinking the kids would be on the blankets and adults on chairs, but that's not at all how it worked out!)
Smiles from my super-handsome boy!!
<3
Is this a lounge chair?
Sweet Jacob.
Silly Jacob!
Then I tried to get Luken to make some silly faces. I don't think he was quite clear on the concept! :P
<3
<3 <3
What's this? Daddy is sitting on the ground?? Must climb!!
What's this? Keeley is climbing on Daddy? Must whine!
There, that's better!
We'll take turns!
Ooh, the music is about to start!
Rock on!!
Luken was excited because this meant he could finally get his hands on the earplugs! He was vastly disappointed to find they had to be shoved in his ears, and were not meant as a toy.
Toast. Melba!
A sneak peek at the fireworks to come. Isn't it beautiful here??
Ethan, upset over something. Poor little dude sliced in between his pinky and another toe last week and has 4 stitches and a big bandage on his feet. And another injury picked up while jumping from ottoman to bean bag, so he wasn't the happiest of campers.
His mama saves the day, though.... bubbles!
And then, Kelli and Ethan as a videographer team!
The kids continue being generally goofy.
Then Luken zones out...
Maybe he was just feelin' the music, as then...
Patrick dedicated "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz to his sweet family!!
Keeley then proceeds to melt down and run for Daddy because I asked her not to spin around on the blanket and get it all scrunched up. Sigh... her new thing. Run to the parent that is not trying to ruin all her fun. :x
The band plays on!
The audience watches in appreciation!
Keeley calms down and chills out on Daddy's lap!
It is getting a bit darker...
The sky is beautiful!
Keeley gets back to dancing! :)
Soon it is dark, and generous party-goers offer us sparklers!!
Time for the show!
I was very excited for Keeley to experience her first fireworks, and to finally be all together as a family for the fun, as in years past, I have stayed home with Keeley while Todd and Luken celebrated. She was a little afraid at first, as they were definitely loud, but then something flew over in our direction and scared us all. Keeley the most, and I ended up standing in the garage with her for a good long while, as she was very upset. :(
After a bit, I carefully snuck onto the driveway bit by bit so I could see what was going on.
I took a bunch of photos, all handheld, so don't expect too much!
The end!
We headed home and CRASHED - it was a late night, but SO much fun!
