4th of July Weekend

James's parents went to St. George over the weekend, so we decided to head to Beaumont for the patriotic holiday. Nat and Jeff went too, but Matt and Kylene had her family in town, so they didn't join us this time. We almost didn't go because Isaac got sick the night before, but luckily he made a quick recovery. Good thing we did, too, because my mom had meals, activities, and party items all planned out. She's a lady who loves to party! Dad was unfortunately on call Friday and Sunday, but we still got to see him quite a bit. I'm not sure that he got much sleep though. Anyway, we had a wonderful time being home and hanging out. Mom fattened us up with her southern pork and delicious desserts, that's for sure. I asked her why she always makes so much food, and she said one of the things that bothers her is when she goes to a function and there's not enough food. All I know is I'm never left wanting when I go home and eat.

I loved getting to see some of my babies! Hannah always lets me play with her and read to her, Bella plays hard to get but she warms up after time, and Isaac is just a tough boy who is learning (I hope) how to give his Aunt Christie a hug instead of a punch. =) He will give one every now and then though.

This is the face that Bug gets when you play "I'm Gonna Get You!" And she also has a strainer on her head--little alien baby.

I love when they let me read to them. Hannah loves it, and Bella lasts for a few pages. Hannah is featured here with an old pioneer dress she found in the closet.

Ike just chillin with his "papi"-- his skin is so dark!

Of course, James doesn't have to work much for their love; the kids just love him naturally. He even got Isaac to go out of the shallow end when he was on Unkee James's back.

July 4th was filled with usual festivities--swimming, making a flag cake, watching a home run derby, eating burgers, watching fireworks, etc. We had a great time!

The boys watching baseball in their festive hats Mom got them.

Delicious French vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting. YUM.

Grandma & Grandpa Hayes at the Vidor fireworks show.

Nat & Jeff after the show

The fireworks in Vidor exceeded our expectations. We thought we came for a few little explosions, but it was quite a long, quality show!

We had a little after show party back at home when Mom brought out the glow sticks. What a great idea. The kids and adults were having the best time making up tricks and designs. Here's a quick clip of the sword fight between James and Isaac.

Nat and Jeff had to leave Sunday, but James and I stayed another day thanks to our fabulous-never happen again- summer schedule. I'm glad we did! We were just planning on swimming and hanging around, which is great, but Dad's been wanting to see an exhibit in Houston from China--the Terra Cotta Warriors. I remembered reading a story about it at school with my kids this last year, and it was awesome! It is the biggest archaeological discovery of the 20th century. China's 1st emperor was crazy, I think, and among other ridiculous things he did during his reign (which began when he was 13), he ordered men to make thousands of life size warriors of all different ranks, with all different faces, hair, and armor to guard his burial chamber after he died. We're talking 8,000 of these 6' warriors- carved and fired to protect a dead man. But as Dad said... I don't know who was more crazy... the emperor who ordered the making of them or the people today who are now piecing together what remains. I wouldn't want that job. In addition to all the warriors, there were 100's of horses and chariots as well. The museum in Houston had about 12 of these warriors to show among other things, and I felt lucky to see a fraction of what is now referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Wow.


No pictures could be taken inside the exhibit, so James and I posed by a statue of what is supposed to be the emperor.

Thanks to Dad's love of the IMAX, we saw Under the Sea, which was a 3D film filled with creatures I've really never seen before! I guess it was silly to think Planet Earth caught me up on everything that's in the ocean, but this show just made me realize how HUGE and fascinating the water world is. I mostly enjoyed watching James watch his first 3D experience--he was a little jumpy. =) It is pretty scary when something jumps out at you when you don't expect it. Look how great they look in their glasses.

Then we had the most delicious fish at McCormick and Schmick's, and I just had to take a picture of the most creative dessert! A paper bag made of chocolate?? And filled with white mousse and berries? Too much. Mom knew I would appreciate it, and we did.


Now we're back in Dallas, and we're glad we get to travel back to family anywhere we go. On the way back, I read the 2nd Harry Potter book to James, and we finished it yesterday. We're late with this series to say the least, but we're enjoying them! Better late than never.