Fourth of July

Since, regrettably, Katy's Daddy *is* American, we joined him in celebrating Independence Day. For Katy's 1st Fourth, we took her to festivities scheduled at a nearby park, which included a petting zoo. Katy has absolutely no fear of animals, and loved touching them all (although I often had to guide her hand to prevent her from grabbing the poor animal's coat in excitement!). Of course, Katy also loved all the other children there! After consuming hot dogs, ice-cream (Benji) and strawberry shortcake (me), we headed home to let Katy get a nap in before more evening fun. We invited our friends, Jason & Kari, along with their 2 children, Cosette (4) & Henry (1), over for a BBQ... it was too hot to cook inside. So we all enjoyed sitting around our patio table on our deck, which thankfully gets shade in the latter half of the day. Katy was so excited to realize they were here when she woke up from her nap! We hung out at home until around 9pm, and then drove 5min downtown and went up to the top of a parking garage to watch the fireworks. I had read in the San Jose Mercury News that this was a good place to see them without dealing with huge crowds. It turned out to be a great suggestion... as we were high up it was pleasantly cool, we could see not only the downtown fireworks but others from over the Bay Area, and it took no time at all to get home afterwards. Katy quietly gazed at the fireworks (fortunately as we weren't really close they weren't too loud), fighting falling asleep. As soon as we got back into the car, sleep won the battle!

At the petting zoo...
Katy would hold out grass for the goat but then try to pull it back out of his mouth so she could try it!
Katy got some much loved attention from other kids while waiting in line to hold the rabbit.
Clapping along with the music
Waiting on the top of the parking garage for the fireworks to begin
A very sleepy Katy gazes out at the fireworks
Mere seconds after getting into the car, Katy is sound asleep