4th of July Vacation

We spent the week of the 4th in upstate NY, visiting my dad and his side of the family. It was a long drive, but somehow we made it without getting too irritable with each other.  Luckily, Grace inherited our road warrior genes and tolerated the drive better than we expected.

still smiling on day 2 of the drive!

snacking on her toes

In a surprising twist of fate, Joe's parents also happened to be visiting Dad while we were there.  It was fun having them there, and Grace got to show off her mad walking skills (read: she took like, 4 steps together) to Grandma and Grandpa.

Grace also surprised us Saturday night when we went to the fireworks display with some friends. I had been a bit apprehensive, hoping against hope that we wouldn't be that family. You know, the one with the angry, screaming child that refuses to be consoled and makes you have to try and pack up to leave the park in the dark while simultaneously not ruining everyone else's fireworks experience by blocking their view while wondering why on earth did I wear black sandals and then take them off, since I'll never find them now? Yeah, that family. Grace was wonderful, and her only complaint of the night was that we wouldn't let her play with the bottle of DEET-infused bug spray. I figure she'll get over it.

My family has a thing for themed parties, and this year's 4th of July bash was no exception. Dad decided on "Blues, Brews, and Barbecues," and all three were abundant. Never will it be said that someone left a LaBruzzo party hungry. Dad's greatest fears were realized in the torrential downpour that started as the party did, but luckily it didn't last long and didn't stop anyone from having fun. The fireworks were amazing (thanks, Brian!), the annual cousin human pyramid was the highest one yet (I have the bruises to show from the first two failed attempts), and miraculously, there were no injuries from driving/riding the wheeler.

all 11 LaBruzzo cousins

We also hit up the butterfly pavilion, the beach (Grace is not a fan of sand), and just had some good quality family time that makes me realize how much I love NY in the summer. I already can't wait for next time. :)