I had so many nice and beautiful things to say about our 4th of July until someone delicately pointed out that Van has probably been throwing up and poopin’ over the past two days because of playing with (and drinking) the reclaimed water from the showers. Without thinking, I even went so far as to wash off his sandy watermelon under the faucet. Total mom fail. Nothing can make you feel two feet tall quite like motherhood. Well, motherhood and those silly mirrors in the fun houses at the county fairs. In any event, I wasn’t going to include that photo of Van under the shower in this bunch, but it’s clearly part of the story. As is the Oreo that seems to be in his hand in just about every photo. You know what they say about shit water and shit food…  

That disastrous can-we-move-forward-now moment aside, it was a wonderful day. It had been overcast in the days preceding but the sun was out in full force and the boys’ bums are now whiter than ever. Good company, cold drinks, and more-or-less happy kids (albeit a few rock and sand throwing moments I later had to apologize for on Hooper’s behalf and that time Van tried to pee on Anne’s leg… but such is life. Life with these two anyway). 

Hope y’all had a fabulous holiday for those of you in the good ol’ USA and thank you to all the men and women who fight (or have fought) for our independence.