Saturday was Alana’s second July 4th in her little lifetime, but it was the first time she’d ever seen fireworks, since she was sleeping soundly during last years’ display.

We met up with family and friends and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Randy and Susan’s home and then headed off to enjoy family fun, glow sticks, blackberry cobbler, homemade ice cream, and fantastic fireworks! Rich brought his camera to document the occasion, and I love the fun, festive shots he captured! Thank you, honey!!!

Alana and I were totally red, white and blue, and let me tell you, we were stylin’ in the sunglasses that our dear friend Lacey bought for us!

I think this dog’s name was Annie. She was SO cute, and really very gentle and sweet. Alana LOVED her new friend, and spent most of the diminishing daylight hour chasing her around. Rich would throw a rock, the dog would go bounding after it, with little Alana running through the field after the dog. Such a cute sight!

The very impressive collection of fireworks…

I’m pretty sure these family friends bought the legal limit allowed without being an official city fireworks display!

A little patriotism:

I don’t know how in the world he does this, but Rich set up his tripod and got some seriously amazing fireworks shots. Wow.

He even got one of Alana snuggling with me as she watches on at her very first fireworks display! She was scared and whimpering at first, but as long as she had her head on my shoulder, she seemed to actually enjoy watching. This was also her first time staying up THREE HOURS past her bedtime! Rich and I are super consistent with her 7:30pm bedtime each night, so this was a first. She was completely wiped out and fell asleep before we pulled out of the driveway at 10:30pm.

And so it’s been documented! Alana’s very first fireworks display! Happy belated Independence Day, everyone!!!