Now, THAT'S the way you do it

I have to say that this year's 4th of July celebration was exactly how it should be done - especially in small town America.  It started with the traditional Green Lake festivities. This year, instead of pony rides, they had baby animals for the kids to hold.  Saying that Avery was obsessed with holding the baby bunnies would be an understatement.

Even mom got to hold one!

 

Then, it was onto the boat races!

 

 

And, this year, Alex tried shooting the Bismark!  He actually hit some balls pretty far!

Then, it was off to watch the parade.

 

The kids got a real kick out of getting all of the truck drivers to honk their horns this year. 

After the parade, we all headed down to the concert on the lake.  This is one of those things that just gets better and better as the kids get older and older.  I remember when Alex and Annabel were babies.  We went to the concert - had a quick bite to eat and a beer and then headed out before the band even started.  Every year after that, we have stayed just a little bit longer.  And, sure enough - this year was the record.  Not only did we stay for the entire concert, but we stayed for the fireworks at the end!  And, I have to say, Green Lake, WI fireworks are an excellent introduction to fireworks for young kids.  While it was a nice show, it was no big city performance, which was actually quite perfect for our crowd.  I mean, I'm not sure a 4th could be any better - festival, parade, concert, food, beer, fireworks.  Gotta love small town America! 

Al-Man's Wisconsin Birthday Party

Unfortunately, Josh had to leave after dinner the night before Alex's actual birthday to get back home to work, so we celebrated that night with dinner and let Alex open the presents that we bought for him.  And, of course, when asked what he wanted for his cake, he very promptly replied, "the same cake as last year!"

 In case you don't remember, that would be layers of mac and cheese and black beans and then broccoli frosting with hot dogs on top.  All of Al's favorites...

Successfully using all of Opa and Grandma's Christmas wrapping paper...

Overall, we had great weather in Wisconsin while we were there.  But, wouldn't you know it, the one day it rained?  Al-Man's actual birthday.  This also happened to be the same day that Auntie Sara, Chad and Lila were coming to visit.  That plus rain meant a lot of people in Mom and Dad's house with no option of going outside all day long.  Hence- the internet search for something to do indoors!  Wouldn't you know it?  Fondulac, WI has a GREAT children's museum!  So, off we went!  First, we decided to meet Sara and her kids at Rocky Rococo's for lunch - I haven't been there in probably 20 years and man!  I forgot how good it was!  Lovely pictures of both of my children...

Then - it was off to the Children's museum!

 

 

 As you can see, Alex was THRILLED to have another boy to play with!  That smile literally didn't leave his face all day while Chad was around.

 

 I wasn't lying...

 

This was a pretty cute thing - they had a restaurant with fake food that all of the kids managed to completely take over.  I have to say - it worked out well because Lexi, Sara and I could sit and be "waited on," which basically meant being able to sit and chat while saying "I'll take mine with cheese and pepperoni" every couple of minutes. 

After the museum, we headed to Culver's to get frozen custard.  Of course, the birthday boy got to choose what he wanted as a snack and chose a hot dog.  Oh, Al.....

After Culvers, we headed back to Opa and Grandmas to play, eat dinner and open more presents!

I'd say that Al-Man had a pretty successful 5th birthday!  Happy Birthday, Buga Boo!