Happy Fourth of July

For the Fourth of July we decided to go letterboxing. We found a great place that had lots of stamps--the Great Baehre Conservation Area. The stamps were a series of Winnie-the-Pooh characters. We didn't have very much luck finding very many of the stamps--three out of seven--but we found some beautiful scenery and some great wildlife.


Valen and Justin looking at the marsh critters.


An example of marsh critters--bullfrogs-they make a great sound, almost like a dying bike horn.


Again, looking at the marsh critters.


Riley getting some energy out after sitting in the stroller for so long.


Valen--what more needs to be said?


That evening for fireworks we joined with some friends--the Webber family-Ben, Erin, Zack, Zaden and Annie--at the UB North Campus near the lake.

Justin at his most patriotic moment.


Valen and Zack.


I think this is Zaden and his glow stick and Justin's artistic vision.


FIREWORKS!!!!


Riley absolutely loved the fireworks. From the moment that they started, until they ended she was clapping and cheering and happy. At one point, halfway through the show, she shook Justin and said, "Dad!!" and pointed up to the fireworks as if he was missing them.


Every time there was a lull in the display she would look at me, sign and say "more!" I would tell her to tell the people shooting off the fireworks and she would shout "more!" and the fireworks would start up again. At the end she clapped very loud and screamed and shouted. She loved every minute.