Happy Birthday, America!

We spent our Fourth of July holiday at Chez Wills West, celebrating with Nana, Granddad and Auntie Meg, who was in town for the weekend. 

The morning started out at Bay Days, with the annual July 4th Bike Parade.

Meghan & Nathan, enjoying some "coffee"

Ready for the Bike Parade

Auntie Meg, driving Ainsley in the parade

Ainsley & Mommy watching a magic show

Riding the merry-go-round with Nana & Auntie Meg

Whee!

Ferris wheel with Daddy & Auntie Meg

Wheeee!!

After Bay Days and a break for lunch, we went to the swimming pool. Ainsley impressed everyone with her aquatic prowess, such that it is at the tender age of 3 - jumping in without fear and going under the water without so much as a sputter. She might have gills under there somewhere...

A whale ride from Granddad

I bet this is a LOT of FUN!

Very cool ride for the Peanut

Ainsley in the middle!

The Wills Family

Wearing Daddy's shoes & Granddad's hat,
ready to go!

It wouldn't be Independence Day without fireworks! Around 9:30 p.m., we trekked back to the park to get our usual spot beyond the outfield fence for the spectacular fireworks display.

Getting ready for the fireworks

Happy Fourth of July!

Fun in June

Lake County Captains Game
June 8 was Hungarian Heritage Night at the Lake County Captains minor league baseball game, so I shared my Hungarian pride!

Ainsley got her arm painted

Father's Day
We had a great and relaxing Father's Day weekend.

Ainsley made Daddy a Father's Day gift at daycare

It's a golf tee porcupine!

The first fire in our new fire pit

Fun at the park

What else did Daddy get?

A new yellow cycling jacket

After Nathan opened his gift, he confessed that it wasn't a surprise. Apparently one day the previous week while they were in the car, Ainsley casually mentioned that "Mommy & I got you a new yellow jacket to wear when you ride your bicycle."  And so specific!  Now I know to be careful with my little chatterbox! 

International Folk Festival

When Grandma & Papa Molnar were in town for Ainsley's birthday, we went to the International Folk Festival at University Circle.  We watched many dancers in their native costumes representing various countries around the world.

Papa helped Ainsley make a bracelet

Dancing with her tambourine & new bracelet

Hillcrest Concert Band

Several times throughout the summer, the Hillcrest Concert Band performs free concerts at Notre Dame College. I've always seen the signs, but we've never gone. This year, I thought we'd  check it out, to support our community as well as Ainsley's developing interest in music.

Ainsley's Three-Year Photos

Each year, we get professional pictures of Ainsley taken for her birthday. She was a little slow to warm up to the process, but after a few shots, she was all smiles - posing and grinning for the camera.

A nice family portrait

Just the girls!

Daddy & his girl

Beautiful smile

I'm not sure why she was going to sleep here...!

Guess who's 3?

We think her legs look so long in this one!  Tall girl!

Love this sweet face!

Silly girl!

With a little glint in her eye...

Nathan thought it would be fun and "whimsical" if we all wore tie-dye shirts for a few pictures.  I didn't necessarily agree, but as long as I could get a few of the more traditional poses, I supposed it wouldn't be too bad...

Ainsley did this pose completely on her own - the photographer was amazed, because it was so cute!

She looks so fiery here!