4th of July Celebration

Dixie, Mom and Me chilled in the shade while watching the parade.


Collecting Candy!


A big sprayer in the parade.



Dixie, Toni, Bev, Wanda, Darcy - at Toni's Baby Shower!


Dixie, Mom and my niece Deryn at Toni's baby shower.

Are you all getting settled back in after the 4th? Vacations are always fun and hectic and coming home is always relaxing. We had a great time going back to my parent's place in Pierre. After work on Thursday we drove up to Pierre and got there around 10 pm. On Friday was the big 4th of July parade. It was pretty hot but the kids had a terrific time collecting candy and begging the big trucks to honk. The parade is always a big hit and one of my favorite events during the fourth. It's tradition! After the parade we went down by the river for a grill out/picnic. We even had smores. From there most of the adults and kids went to enjoy the huge beach and cool water. Me being the party pooper- hung out at the picnic area and watched from afar. I'm just worn out and hot from doing nothing. It is ridiculous and frustrating. That night we cleaned up and went to the rodeo and then watched the big fireworks. The fireworks were very well done and not to many kabooms which scare me.

On Saturday morning, Andrew and I went to some garage sales. He was excited to find some tools he needed and even negotiated for them. We also found a wooden stand to store my card paper in. At 10 AM Andrew dropped me off for Toni's baby shower- she was my childhood best friend. (My mom, sister and 2 of my nieces- Deryn and Dawn came as well.) It was great to catch up with people in Pierre and watch Toni open all her pretty baby gifts. She is so excited and will be a wonderful mom. Bev- Toni's mom watched me a lot as a kid and was my second mom. We had a blast growing up together. Our moms put us to work husking corn, picking potatoes, picking chokecherries and canning. We also spent a lot of time riding 4 wheelers and eating picnic lunches.

After the shower my family all got together ate lunch and then headed back to the beach. My Dad and Andrew got the Sea Doo running so they took kids for tube rides. I stayed at home in the A/C with my sister and mom. We chilled and watched the beginning of Becoming Jane- I fell asleep and woke up to an empty house. Mom and Dixie went to the beach. That night we ate and shot off fireworks in the yard. It is a bit scary with all the kids running around with punks. Of course, they lit multiple fireworks at the same time and I wondered which direction I should run when they tipped over. I like watching fireworks but everything else about them scares me.

The next morning we picked up our huge firework mess and went out to eat breakfast. Andrew loves getting the breakfast buffet. From there we went to church and then out to Dairy Queen with the rest of the family. In the afternoon we puttered about and got packed. We took a double bed from my parents and some end tables for the basement. After MUCH maneuvering last night Andrew and I got the bed down the stairs. It was a very tight fit. In the process, we saw some previous scratch marks which must have been from other people trying to get beds downstairs. It is exciting to see the basement come together even if it won't be finished by the time the baby comes.

Tomorrow Andrew and I are going to the Dr. for a checkup and then to the hospital for pre check-in and tour. We are hoping everything goes well. It will be nice to see the birth suite. I can and can't believe I'm almost done with this process. I'm so ready to get my body back but not ready to be a mom. I can't wait to drop to the floor and stand without groaning. I can't wait to wear my cowboy boots or sneakers- I didn't stretch them out and haven't worn them in months. I can't wait to stop my late night ambles to the toilet. I can't wait to sleep on my stomach and not toss and turn all night. I can't wait to ride the 4-wheeler without worrying about my stomach but then again I will probably take her riding with me anyway. I can't wait to see what she looks like. I can't wait to see what her temperament will be like. I can't wait to watch Andrew hold her and talk to her- like he does with my stomach. I can't wait to grab and hold the little leg that has been kicking me constantly. I can't wait to hold the hands that tickle my ribs. I can't wait to kiss the head that instigates the somersault crew.

The funny part- I can wait for labor- heck I could wait forever. After watching all these videos I wish Eve would never have ate that apple. :) HEEEE HEEE HOOOOOO- Andrew does the breathing techniques with me and it makes Abby bark and growl. HaHa!

I hope you had a great 4th with family and friends. Talk to you soon!