Independence Day!

This year I decided to take the kids down south so that we could spend the 4th with Steve. He had to work at his internship the following day so we wanted to have a fun holiday with him down south. It turned out to be a great day and we were able to stay with some of my cousins that I haven't got to see since Steve and I got married. It was fun to see their kids and how wonderful they were to my kids. I really want to move down there so we can be closer to some of my family down there. Ethan loved playing with his cousin and Daisy made an instant friend with one of the older boys. My cousin has such wonderful kids that were willing to help out by playing with my kids and holding Layla so that I could eat or do what ever I need to. We were able to spend some time with just us (Steve, me, and the kids). We went swimming in the morning, then we went and saw Brave. Steve and I liked it, but thought it was a little too much for the other kids. Ethan really got scared during the movie, but Daisy wasn't paying enough attention to get scared. Later that night we went to have a BBQ with my cousins and got to see some more of my cousins that I haven't seen since I was a little girl. I also got to meet some of their kids that I never met before. That night we were going to go see fireworks at Steve's place, but the girls were getting tired and cranky while Ethan was having fun watching the older boys light off fireworks at my cousin's. He was also having way too much fun with his second cousin Kyle. It turned out to be such a wonderful day and I'm so grateful for the freedoms that we have in this country and what a great country this is!!! I am proud to be an American!!! I hope you all enjoyed your Independence day as much as we did. Here are some pictures of that wonderful day!

Having fun at the water park

Layla enjoying the bright sun.

Daddy and Layla enjoying time together.

Ethan with cousin Kyle playing on the computer. They got along really well.

Playing in the truck while watching fireworks, done by the older boys.

Some of the cool fireworks.

Finishing the night with some yummy cake that Cristina made for the BBQ. We really had a very enjoyable time with my cousins.

Layla's New Born Pics.

I (Sharifa) know that it's been a while since these pictures were taken, but my friend Jess did such a great job on them I really wanted to post them for all of you to see. My baby girl is such an adorable little girl and I know that I'm a little bias, but the pictures make her even more so. She was only about 4 days old when these were taken. We love her and can't imagine what we would do without her in our lives. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me because of the wonderful spirits he brings into my life. I'm just so thankful to be the mother of such wonderful and sweet spirits!! I hope you enjoy our precious angel from above because I sure do every day!!! Take a few minutes to enjoy the sweet spirit that is our Layla Sharie!

This is my very favorite picture of me and Layla. I know I don't look very good, but it's not about me. I just think it's just so sweet that Layla is holding my face with those precious little hands!!