More Fourth

In spite of my sister, my brother-in-law, their 14 year old, my mom and me not being present in any of the photos...we actually WERE there. I just didn't have my camera out as much as I thought I did.

My sister hosted the family at her house for a Fourth of July cookout. Since it was so hot, they pulled out the slip-n-slide. Teagan (my sister's) and Braeden (my brother's) are only 6 mths apart in age. They have a good time together.

Tess and Teagan

I love this up in the air action shot.

Tatum and Braeden slipping and sliding.

Then the 11 yr old, Travis, got in on the action. Another hysterical shot of Braeden off the ground. It just cracks me up.

Mia had on the dress (that turned into a shirt because of her healthy size) made by my mom that she wore to her consulate appointment when we were in China. She looked very patriotic. At the rate she's growing this will surely be the last time she wears it.

Tess will be 3 in August. She and Mia seem to have something special going on together being the two youngest cousins.

Getting to know Uncle Travis. My sister's 11 yr old was named after his uncle.

These photos are so funny. I can just see Mia's thought process as she sets Tatum up. 

"First...I'll distract her with my cuteness."

"Then I'll innocently reach over like I'm being affectionate but really it's just a ploy ..."

"...to yank the crap outta her hair! Mwah ha haha!"

Fireworks! Mia wasn't afraid at all. I thought she would be. But nope. I held her on my lap, buried one ear in my chest and covered the other with my hand. For the loud ones or the really bright ones, she'd bury her face in my chest and then come up laughing. This kid is fearless.

That's Aunt Kristy, my brother's wife.

I always love spending time with my nieces and nephews. They're so much fun. I can't wait to see how they mesh as Mia grows up with them.