4th of July! (week 497)

Happy 4th of July!  For the 8th straight year, we kicked off our 4th of July with the Plaza bike parade.  It is one of our favorite traditions because everyone starts the day at our house with decorated bikes, drinks, and snacks.  About 400 people walked in the parade this year and most of us kids were able to ride around without our parents pushing or pulling us.  

We spent the afternoon barbecuing, swimming, and playing at the Hubers.  The weather was perfect even though the little kids were not getting along.  At 6 years old, Chris, Mady and Emma are now trying out all kinds of strategies and alliances that end with one person getting their feelings hurt--2 is a company but 3 is a crowd kind of stuff. This day, Chris was on the out with the group so there were some hurt feelings, but an otherwise awesome day to celebrate our nation's birthday. 

At 9 years old, I ask a lot more questions about what is going on in the world.  The past few months have been filled with news about terrorism, war, and gun violence in the world.  Usually, dad has the newspapers out on table every morning for breakfast and we will look at the pictures and talk about what is happening.  It still confuses me and Chris why people would have guns and kill each other. We talk about it but don't usually have many answers. We also talk a lot about the presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton.  Even though our lives in Long Beach are really great, it is a confusing time for kids like it probably has been for every generation.  

Grandma and Grandpa also came to stay with us this weekend and we went to see Aunt Janet's photography show in Santa Ana.  It was the first time that Chris and I had been to a art show in a gallery and it was really interesting.  The pictures were really interesting and we looked at every one, asked questions, and gave our opinion about what we thought was happening in the picture.  It was also great to get some snacks and Chris snuck away with a bunch of cookies.  We are definitely interested in more art shows!