4th Annual 4th of July Party

"Yankee Doodle went to town, riding on a zebra..."

Looking adorable in her red, white and blue bathing suit.

We hosted our annual 4th of July party yesterday... two days before the actual holiday. We decided to have the party a few days early for a coup reasons. First of all, we figured most people had plans for the 4th and so we wanted to see as many friends as possible. Secondly, the 4th falls on a Monday this year and who wants to go to work on Tuesday with a hangover? Last, but not least, we actually have plans for the 4th so it worked out better for our social calendar.


Our first 4th of July was held several months after we moved into our current home. The pool was literally finished and the new sod was laid just days before the party. We had out of town guests that year, including Dawn, the Peluso boys and friends from Orlando. We had an epic party that year, which lasted well into the night. We drank too much, played a lot of Rock Band and nursed hangovers the next day. It. was. awesome.


Our second 4th of July party was pretty much a repeat of the first year. We drank too much, played a lot of Rock Band and nursed hangovers the next day. Little did we know that our 4th of July parties would change (for the better) the next year.


Our third 4th of July party was... different. We were new parents and hosted a house full of babies and new friends. The weather was less than desirable and it rain... all day. We literally had 30-40 people in our house because of the rain. Babies were all over the place and it was a much different atmosphere than our previous parties.


Our fourth 4th of July party was a happy-medium. We hosted about 20 people and only had 3 children. It was perfect amount of people and our house didn't feel too crowded. The weather was hot and sunny so we were able to cool off in the pool. Having the extra outdoor space makes entertaining so much easier. Bella was a gracious hostess to her friends Connor and Lily. Limiting the number of kids made it more enjoyable, for the adults. 


We have so much leftover food and drink, so we will be eating hamburgers, hotdogs and brats for the next week and a half. I'm totally okay with that because at least I have our meals planned for awhile. 


Later today we will be heading to Tropicana Field for the Cardinals versus Rays game. We bought tickets about two months ago because the game will be followed by a concert. Bella's favorite "band" The Wiggles will be putting on a post-game concert and we are so excited! Bella loves The Wiggles and she will love seeing them in person!


I hope everyone is having a fabulous extended weekend... and partying like rock stars. =)


Love always,
Ian, Kim & Bella