5th Anniversary and 4th of July

On Friday, Derrick and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything fancy, not even a card, but rather enjoyed our day by being together as a family of 4. Soon enough the kids will be all grown up and then we "have" to celebrate the remaining anniversaries by ourselves. 

Also, my beloved Oma (my mom's mother) passed away on Friday after battling cancer for the past few months. So it was a bittersweet day for me and even though I know that she is finally free and happy to be with the Lord, I still didn't feel like making a big celebration out of our anniversary. In the coming weeks, Derrick and I will enjoy an afternoon away on the boat and that will be our celebration.

For our special day, Amelia wanted to make a cake for us (with a little help from mommy) and it tasted as good as it looked.

On Friday evening we took the kids to a new and popular pizzeria (Alino's) in town and afterwards to the playground. It was just what we needed and all 4 of us enjoyed it.

The pizza was delicious and very authentic as the ingredients as well as the ovens are imported from Naples, Italy. 

Yesterday, we celebrated America's 239th birthday by painting a flag, eating some delicious BBQ, dancing at the park and a fireworks show (on TV). The day was easy going and relaxing just as it is meant to be. In the mornings, we went around the neighborhood on our bikes (the kids) and in the afternoon, Amelia and Elliot were busy painting their flags to take to the parade at night.  

Daddy fired up the grill and we enjoyed some baby back ribs, brats, potato salad, popcorn and corn on the cob. Especially Elliot loved eating his corn (first time that I didn't scrap it down for him).

After an early dinner, we headed to Davidson, the next town over, to see their Independence Day parade and concert at the park. Somehow, the small parade never made it to the park; nonetheless, we had a great time. Red, white and blue as far as the eye can see.

There were blankets and lawn chairs everywhere and people having picnics while the kids danced their little hearts out to the music (80s, 90s, and from today) performed by the band "Pushh". 

First Amelia and I danced together. Then she danced with a little boy but just after a few seconds, the other little boy came over and tipped her on the shoulder so that he could dance with her. She was quiet popular. Luckily, all 3 kids got along and danced happily together.

We pulled out our blanket, popcorn and watermelon and enjoyed the fun.

We truly enjoyed this small-town event and all the friendly people there. It was a great family affair and we will be back next year, for sure. Since the local firework show was way past the kids' bedtime, we watched a couple of concerts and firework displays on TV. Due to some noise in the neighborhood, Amelia woke back up and joined us. A grand finale ending our blessed day. Happy Birthday, America!