Landen's Second Fourth of July

Fourth of July this year started like any other summer day for us. We picked a new lake to take a walk around - Rice Lake in Maple Grove. Little did we know it was 3.75 miles around the lake. Uffda! We were surprised that Landen held out for that long...maybe more surprised we did! It was hot out and so many times I wanted to jump in the lake!

Landen didn't last long in the stroller and we had to set him free from time to time.

"Ducky!"

Wrong way, sweetie.

"Wee!"

"Touchdown" - we made it!

We were debating all day whether or not to take Landen to see fireworks. His bedtime is 7:30 pm sharp most nights. Well....Landen must've known what day it was because he took two really long naps, the second one lasting until past dinner time. We rode it out and he ended up doing great! We went to see fireworks in Coon Rapids. Here he is watching the first few minutes.

Attention span dwindling fast....

And here is a video where you can barely see anything - occassionally you'll get a glimpse of Landen's face but you'll hear Landen's squeals at about 0:04 and 0:25. This was his way of "Ooing" and "Awwing"

Landen was intrigued by the fireworks for the first three minutes. We had to distract him with books and snacks for the remaining 22 minutes. He paid attention again during the finale - here is a short clip from that.

Most kids have a favorite blankie or stuffed animal. Landen has...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Seriously, this shovel is glued to his hand non-stop.