July 4, 2013

All ready to party on Independence Day.

Our friends Jen and Rob (and new dog Soffi!) invited us over for a pool party and cookout.

In the 6.5 hours we were poolside, Grace only emerged for mandatory reapplication of sunscreen and a few bites of food.  Even as I hauled her out to eat some watermelon, she was emphatic that this was not her getting out for good, she was heading right back in.  Suki and Kate truly love the water, but Grace LOVES the water.

Relaxing with Rob's parents.

Kate and Malcolm loved shooting Jen with jets of water.

Under siege by dog and sunscreen applicator.

Little treats served poolside.

Kate is completely fearless when she's holding these little floats.  On her own, she kicked her way down to the deep end, happy as a clam.

More target practice.

Kate and Malcolm barrage Emily and David.  Emily's an old friend from when I worked downtown, and this was another example of how sweet and deeply rewarding I find it when children of friends get to become friends themselves.

Jill had so much fun with these girls, trying to catch water here.

Learning croquet.

All changed after their hours in the pool, patting Soffi and about ready to go find some fireworks.

I was aiming the phone in the dark, and I'm sad I missed capturing Kate on the other side of David's lap here.

Gorgeous weather, lovely longtime friends, hours of pool time, great food, and beautiful fireworks on the lake.  The girls were so well behaved all day despite the fact that they didn't get a rest until 11:30 pm.  So nice to be at this stage of life where they can have (and be!) so much fun.