4th of July

In true mom fashion I posted the pictures for this entry days ago but haven't been able to get around to finishing writing about our 4th of July until now. Weekend update included. 

We had such a good 4th of July! In the morning we attended a neighborhood festival that takes place each year but I somehow never knew about despite living in this neighborhood for over 10 years. There was a moon bounce, snow cones, cotton candy, face painting, music and a dunk tank that Natalie had a blast doing over and over again. There was also a baby "beauty" contest, which consistent of taking Vanessa up to two "judges" and them giving us a certificate. They gave her the title of, "Princess of Rosemont" (our neighborhood) which I thought was really cute!

Later in the evening we went to Matt's brothers house for dinner and some fireworks. Natalie had a great time playing with her cousins and I enjoyed having wine and chatting with my sister in law. We stayed pretty late and I definitely regretted it the next day but it was a lot of fun anyway! 

Yesterday (7/6) Natalie went to a classmates birthday party at a place with giant inflatable slides and moon bounces. She had so much fun. I didn't realize we were just supposed to drop her off and roll out so I planned to stay the whole time and brought the baby and all. It worked out great though because there was a little grill next door so we just went to lunch there and then headed back over to the party for a bit. I love how easy it is at the moment to tote Vanessa along with us wherever and she pretty much just sleeps the whole time. I'm glad to test my mom abilities too and have two kids, plus myself ready to go by a certain time along with everything I need in a bag. I am sure it gets harder but for the time being I got dis. After the party we went to my mother in laws house where her niece was visiting with a friend for a couple of days. Natalie absolutely adores the niece and is obsessed. Her friend was really nice too and even though the girls are young (19/20ish) they entertained Natalie and played with her so well. Natalie was so happy and just giggling and excited the whole time. 

Today (7/7) Natalie is going to Cirque du Soleil with Matt's brother as a Christmas gift from this past December. She is so excited and last night after dinner at Matt's dads house she was asking Uncle Bobby what their schedule was going to be and created her own itinerary. I love seeing she has organization and planning skills in her.