We drove to Oklahoma to be with my family to celebrate the 4th like we always did growing up. Half of Sebastian's birthdays have been celebrated at my grandparents' house and we carried on the tradition of (minor) fireworks at their home and then joined half the town at the city park to enjoy the evening festivities. The kids rode a carousel and the train, made friends with everyone at the playground, and then had jedi laser fights with their glow stick flash lights before we enjoyed the longest and prettiest firework display that town has ever put on.
Sebastian got to enjoy his second and third birthday cakes celebrating with both my grandparents and his other great grandma, opened some presents, and both kids held their first sparklers. Last year we were all in Colorado Springs but since the Waldo Canyon fire was still smoldering there were no fireworks to be seen in town anywhere. We made up for it this year!
It was a truly memorable day for many reasons and one of the most special Fourth's we've had. I hope yours was, too!
-Rachel
I love these photos... so festive and fun! The 4th of July takes on a whole new meaning with a loved one deployed; I'm glad yours was memorable and special. Thinking of your sweet family :)
Posted by: Beth | 07/09/2013 at 10:50 PM
I love these photos.. I love seeing photos of fireworks. We only ever get to have fireworks in the cold, winter months. Summer in Ireland brings no festivities :( The cake looks amazing and it's so nice to spend special times with family, growing memories. Hazel x
Posted by: Cupcakery | 07/10/2013 at 01:05 AM
Looks like Sebastian had an awesome birthday! :)
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
Posted by: Rosie W | 07/10/2013 at 01:10 AM
Looks like such a lovely time with family!You photos are so well done. And what a lucky boy Sebastian is 3 birthday cakes! Also Miss Ruby she is getting tall and lean. Her expressions always make me wonder she is passing through her mind. Take care Rachel!
Posted by: joyce welch | 07/10/2013 at 03:37 AM
Typing at 5:37 in the morning with bifocals is something I need to avoid SMILE. What I meant to say is Your photos are so well done. And Ruby's expressions always make me wonder what is passing through her mind. There, just a little ocd on my part. Wishing you a lovely day!
Posted by: joyce welch | 07/10/2013 at 03:40 AM
Your grandparents look so young! Great genes in your family, Rachel.
Posted by: Carla | 07/10/2013 at 06:29 AM
It looks like a perfect holiday with a super,sweet family. Hope you're holding up well.
Posted by: Rachel | 07/10/2013 at 06:31 AM
Sebastian's firework cake is great! A simple idea but very well carried out :)
Cathy
http://www.whiskshooksandbooks.blogspot.co.uk
Posted by: Cathy | 07/10/2013 at 06:37 AM
Is that the park in Ada ? I am from McAlester, my family went to the park as well on the fourth.
Posted by: Jane | 07/10/2013 at 12:47 PM
What type of cake is the second pictured? It's adorable and looks yummy!
Posted by: Shelley | 07/10/2013 at 04:06 PM
Carla,
Hehe, no, those are my parents. I didn't get a shot of my grandparents on either side because they all stayed inside since it was so hot. ;)
Posted by: racheldenbow | 07/10/2013 at 10:03 PM
Jane,
It is! Such good memories made there each summer. I'm sure you feel the same!
Posted by: racheldenbow | 07/10/2013 at 10:04 PM
Shelley,
My mom ordered it from Nothing Bundt Cakes and made the topper for it. I know it's a chain in OKC but I'm not sure how many there are elsewhere if any? It was Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting. SO good.
Posted by: racheldenbow | 07/10/2013 at 10:04 PM
Thanks so much, Joyce!
Posted by: racheldenbow | 07/10/2013 at 10:05 PM
It totally felt that way. Thanks so much, Beth. I hope yours was lovely, too.
Posted by: racheldenbow | 07/10/2013 at 10:05 PM
That cake looks yum!
Posted by: Sarah Jane | 07/15/2013 at 10:17 AM