Happy 4th of July!

We had an enjoyable and relaxing Independence Day. We started the day by going to see an early movie together. Since I got to see the Sex and the City movie, I told Chris that he could choose the movie that we go to. What do you think he chose?

Iron Man?

The Incredible Hulk?

Hancock?

Or perhaps some other macho, action-packed man-film? No, no my friends... we saw...

That's right! My hubs picked a Disney/Pixar film. And I gotta say, it was EXCELLENT. We really loved it, and Annabel did great. She slept through the first hour, and then decided she was hungry, so ate and slept off and on through the rest of it.

My mini-commentary on the movie... it was beautifully done (computer animation just keeps getting better and better). But I'll tell you, this movie was FULL of messages. It warns about the consequences of the Wal-Mart/McDonaldization of America, taking the environment for granted, our dependence upon technology and the rising rate of obesity. Whew, I feel guilty already! Still, the movie has heart and Wall*E is such a great character. We really enjoyed ourselves. As a matter of fact, Chris said this was his favorite Pixar film out of all of them.

When we got home, we decided (OK, I decided) that we should try to do a family photo including the red-headed step-children. I have a remote for my camera, so while that made things a little easier, it was still quite an ordeal. Here are a few of the actual good pics out of the hundreds of shots that we actually took!

Our little family

The dogs hang out wondering when would be a good time to join in the foto fun.

Whew! Everyone gives the camera a big smile (except Annabel, who's thinking she'd love to lay out on the blanket and soak up some sun).

We also let Annabel try out her Bumbo seat for the very first time! Her buddy Paige inspired her to try it out. Turns out she liked it! Of course, I took a ton of photos. Here are just a couple.

Annabel wonders what the heck is going on... how is she sitting up without Mommy or Daddy's help?

Baylor wonders the same thing!

Annabel decides she likes it!

Later that evening we went to our friends' house for a cookout in celebration of the birth of our nation and the birth of our friend Marvin! Here are some pics from the evening.

Everyone chowin' down on some grub.

Annabel likes to be on the move, but that doesn't stop Daddy from eating his dinner!

We didn't go anywhere to see fireworks because Annabel needed to be in bed, of course. But we still were able to see the McKinney fireworks in the distance from our friends' backyard. All in all, a super fun 4th for Annabel and her folks!