Given this level of smoke in the air, we were amazed that we didn't have to break out the nebulizers for our wheezing boys.
This was the grand finale, or at least as grand as the Costco Fireworks Package gets. Although most of the crew loved it, Leigh made it clear that she was ready for this noisy display of pyrotechnics to be over.
The end of our bicycle parade marked the beginning of the pool party. Here we see our next generation of BFF smiling and loving on each other.
Leigh was happy to pose in her special Stars & Stripes bathing suit. 
A special kiss from Mommy for Lucy--shared before Lucy bit Miss Allie 3 times in as many minutes.
While Lucy was busy biting her Mommy, 16-yr-old Chris appeared out of nowhere, picked up his Mommy, and threw her in the pool.
Miss Karen and Elise gave us a much-appreciated break and entertained the kids in the pool for hours.
We managed to get the entire swim team, as it were, to pose for a picture.
Our Fourth of July started with our 2nd Annual Colvard Farms Bicycle Parade. We gathered at the Clubhouse to decorate bicycles, wagons, and strollers with everything red, white, & blue that we could tape, tie, or glue.
We were very grateful that Jackie, Cameron, & Lucy didn't mind sharing their grandparents with us during the event. Mommy needed a helping hand in the bicycle-decorating department in the worst way.
The Entire Bicycle Gang 
It was obvious from the start that the boys thought the parade was a race, and were only interested in who they could leave behind to eat their dust.
Despite the boy's mad rush to win the parade, the girls took their time; they understood that it was all about having fun and looking lovely. Next year we'll teach them the Princess Di wave.
Leigh has learned from the Master, her big brother, that it's always a good time to pick your nose.
While the bigger kids were busy wreaking havoc in the driveway, Lucy enjoyed a little flying action with Mr. Chad and some big smiles with Grandad.
When we were all popped out, we roasted marshmallows in the backyard-bucket fire started by Mr. Dave and made s'mores!
To Leigh, making s'mores was an opportunity to eat half of a Hershey bar, bare-handed.
It's quite possible that Jackie has watched too much High School Musical.
After we downed all the graham crackers, it was time for our pyromaniacs to take turns extinghuishing the fire in the bucket. The fun just never ends around here.
Our good buddies, Olivia and Anna Kate, took lessons, too--although they've been swimming like true YMCA Starfish for years.
H & J have a mean backstroke
The Littles
All smiles with Mr. Yaz, who is soon to be Serpil's hubby!
