For those not privy to Nashville’s summertime temperatures, it gets hot, very hot and very humid. In the heat of the summer, Rachel went and got a pool and it was the most exciting thing I heard.

We spent the fourth at their house. It was a kid summer extravaganza, even down to the food, new kid table and chairs, and the pool, of course. The kids (and dads) were prunes when they came out of the water, eventually.

When dark fell, we headed to the front lawn to watch the dads shoot off fireworks. Jay stayed back, certain that Thane would have a repeat performance of last year and not like the noise. He was right. He seemed to do slightly better, but in the end, Mara was the last brave one sitting in Mommy’s lap and watching the show.

Target is never what you think. You expect to go in for A, you end up leaving with A through G (and that’s a good day). On Friday we went with an expectation of a firetruck. We left with a complete Buzz ensemble, including wings.

This inspired the first movie theater trip for both (either) kids. Jay was willing, but hesitant. I called Liz for advice. Be prepared to leave early. Thane wore the costume, minus wings, and was a hit. I told him people may just ask for autographs.

We made it from half way through previews to credits. No tears. No tantrums. Only small antsy-ness from Mara at the very very end. We even made it through the scary part of Toy Story 3.

Mom gets a gold star!

After the movie, still smiles

Everybody loves a parade! We especially like it when we get to do it in style!

Every July, school makes the kids little 4th tie dyed shirts. This year’s were extra special…Mara got a little tank top and Thane got a wife beater a size too small for him, so it was extra snug.

In an effort for full effect, I dressed Mara in some blue, with red and white striped, daisy dukes, with a split on each side. They were Ralph Lauren though, only the best for her lil’ trailer trash ensemble! Thane wpore some shorts and I realized later I should have gotten a thick gold chain for him. Oh well, he decided he needed sunglasses, so that worked.

This was the first 4th parade at the school we got to see and it was a blast. Mara spent most of the time in our arms, but she got to watch it all. Thane was in full force and went around almost every time. It was funny to watch the parade get smaller and smaller each time it went around the tree as kids meandered off or found their parents.

Mara's gangsta look