July Fourth

It had been years (like six years!) since we'd been up to visit Daniel & Wendy in New York. We figured it was about time we made the trip to see them and their new house. The kids all survived the six hour drive and were thrilled to get to party with their cousins. 

Elise loved being loved by her cousins, especially Megan.

Best part of the cousins' house: SWINGS.

Swings outside, and a swing IN THE BASEMENT. So cool! 

Don't be fooled: getting Aaron and Catherine off the swings was a major effort.

They have both requested a swing set for Christmas.

We got to crash their friends' 4th of July party.

The kids had a great time making chaos together: 

Aaron is not sure about Jason carrying him.

Cute Seth: 

Cute Catherine: 

Cute Jonny & babies: 

Elise's first Independence Day.

Red and white ladybugs are very patriotic: 

Aaron was in heaven with the balls in this little pool: 

Jason climbed this chain using nothing but his arms.

That kid's a monkey: 

Someone was super happy with all the pictures I was taking: 

I imagine I'll be seeing this face again in 7-10 years.

Seth has a little too much fun tormenting his cousins.

Even the tiniest one: 

All Aaron wanted to do was swing: 

All Catherine wanted to do was swing: 

Three Bloods on a swingset 

Jon loves Elise-bug 

The feeling is definitely mutual: 

Cheeseball Seth, ready to do sparklers: 

Sparklers and swim suits: 

Catherine was just a little nervous at first: 

Aaron was sure they were candles and that it was his solemn duty to blow them out: 

Elise's first sparkler: 

Turns out sparklers are basically impossible to blow out: 

So he gave up and held it instead.

Very, very cautiously: 

Later that evening, Jon & Daniel took the older kids to see some fireworks while Wendy & I put the little ones to bed (except Elise, who stays up later than all of us). Catherine was texting me using Jon's phone. I got several very random messages, but this one was by far the best: 

You're right, Jon. You ARE a beautiful person.