Big Boomers

This year Aaron couldn't wait to shoot off the "big boomers!" Another word for them would be artillery shells, but I like Aaron's version better. Aaron's always liked fireworks, but this year he took things to a whole new level. 1. He spent his own money on fireworks. 2. He declared he doesn't want to be an artist when he grows up--he wants to sell fireworks. 3. He even stayed up until 11:30 pm on the night we shot off all the big boomers. :) I'm pretty sure Braylen wasn't lighting his own firecrackers at age 7. He definitely wasn't spending his own money on them. I think Aaron's pretty happy to be our third child. :)

Braylen bought his own fireworks this year too. He also took a few solo bike rides to our local fireworks stand. Thankfully he still came along for our annual mommy-and-sons bike ride. Riding our bikes together to buy fireworks is still one of the highlights of my summer. Kaleb bought some fireworks, although he's just as happy to watch his brothers light them. Smoke balls are still popular with Kaleb, along with ground blooms and tanks.

Derek and I took an evening to simply watch our boys light their fireworks. Ginger still isn't bothered by them, although she really wants to be in the middle of the action. We noticed she paid special attention to Aaron's fireworks. I like to think she's playing the role of his protector.

My parents arrived July 2nd, and my mom provided the boys with LOTS more fireworks during the week. Our week together was so special, it deserves its own post. For now, here's one more way we're living life in the summertime. Oh, to have the life of a dog!

Ginger's literally eating out of the palm of Kaleb's hand. :) There's nothing like watching our boys bond with their dog. I carry memories of my dog with me from my childhood, and I'm so happy to be able to bless our boys with the same ability.