4th of July

My 4th of July started with an early morning wake-up call in order to head dowtown for the Red, White and Boom Half-Marathon.  This is the second time Kate and I have run this race, and for the 2nd time, we couldn't have asked for better July weather.  Kate and I enjoyed running together for the first part of the race, and then separated as we went into our zones to push through the 13.1 miles.  This was Kate's second half-marthon in 10 days, and my longest run of the season, so we each had some mental hurdles to fight through.  I didn't beat my PR, but I did beat my previous Red, White and Boom time.  Kate and I always enjoy running and racing together, and this was no exception!

We spent the afternoon of the fourth hanging out by our pool in the backyard watching the cousins swim and play.  We had a typical 4th of July menu of hot dogs and brats on the grill, and Kate made some outstanding watermelon mojitos!  

John working hard to get on the floatie!

Ahhh, finally!

Before heading out for fireworks, we had a bonfire with s'mores and lit off some fireworks of our own.  Sparklers are always a hit!

Ben lighting bottle rockets.

Silly Brothers

Brian's head looks like it's in a guillotine.

The IA WaltoLachs 

What you don't see is a mouth stuffed with marshmallows.

 Waiting for fireworks

A cool shot that Ben took

The following morning, Brian and John woke early to play a round of golf.  Apparently it wore Brian out.  This shot is 100% legit and was not posed in the least!

Dreaming happy dreams about his 8-iron and his smart phone...