Happy Independence Day!

This year we decided to celebrate America's birthday over two days.

Day one of the celebrations started on Sunday:

Our sleepy little patriot

It was a comfy 112 degrees outside, ideal weather for a BBQ and swim at The Fort.  We got our swim on, we got our grub on, and we got rained on.

A very pale family photo

My "mom" face

Daddy getting crazy

Auntie Fal and Uncle Cole

Pop Pop and Grammy

The fun was cut short when Fountain Thrills got hit with one of the nastiest monsoons of the season.  Pop Pop was holding Lulu when the wind and rain picked up; he whirled around to form a grandpa shield, and then took off towards the cars.  The rest of us grabbed the coolers and towels, and loaded the cars.  Lordy, were we DRENCHED!  Needless to say, fireworks were postponed.

Day two of the celebrations were much more low-key.  Nothing says "Happy Birthday America" like sangria and a True Blood marathon!

Just look at those monkey feet!

Family kisses

Happy Goose with Daddy and Grammy

Happy Goosey!

Is there anything better than a three-day weekend with family, food and sunshine?  Why yes, yes there is...  A four-day weekend with all of the above!

Sometimes you accidentally gain 40 pounds...

...and then you lie about it.

I know this is really random, but I finally feel ready to share my deep, dark, embarrassing secret.  I didn't actually gain 34 pounds while I was pregnant, I gained 40 something pounds.  The exact number remains a mystery to this day. 

Why did I lie about those last few pounds?  Because I was really, REALLY embarrassed and ashamed of my lack of self-control. 

I'm sorry to have lied to you guys.  I feel terrible.  Really, I wasn't planning on telling anyone, but I recently told Casey and my mom...and I figured I might as well just get it over with and tell the blog world.

Let this be a lesson to you all!  You canNOT eat whatever you want the whole time you're pregnant, and stay within the recommended weight gain range.  I am determined to do better next time around.  After reading this girl's story, I am truly inspired to exercise and maintain a healthy diet throughout. 

So here I am today, almost three months post-delivery, and still six pounds from my pre-baby weight.  I'm hopeful that the remaining weight will eventually come off.  Casey and I have implemented a healthy meal plan and we've been following it for a little over a month now (still avoiding exercise like the plague though!).  You can look forward to a post all about our meal plan later this week.

The girl who was worth every pound