We are ready (at least dressed) for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations! Independence Day is interesting up in The Last Frontier. Since it doesn’t get dark fireworks are not quite as exciting. They still happen but lose the pizazz of brightly colored balls of fire against a black sky. Also the lackluster weather seems to diminish the whole “summer holiday” vibe. Even though this is my FOURTH (what?) Independence Day celebration here in Alaska, I am still not quite used to it. I’ll always remember the 4th of July weekend being spent in a tiny coastal town in Oregon (either Pacific City or Neskowin) with small-town parades, sand castle building competitions, family, and my pyromaniac father shooting off the biggest illegal fireworks he could find. Once we moved to Maryland, Nate and I spent a very hot, very humid, and very crowded Fourth of July in Washington DC as well as a few in Annapolis. Being in and near our nation’s capital on Independence Day was truly magical and the fireworks were spectacular.

Regardless of my memories, I am excited to create fun holiday memories for the girls. They may not remember exactly what we do (or their adorable matching dresses) yet I hope they’ll remember feelings of fun, happiness, celebration, and their parents’ enthusiasm for simple pleasures. Wherever you may be headed, I hope you have a fun and safe holiday! If you’re fixing to dress festively, here’s a little outfit inspiration from the girls and I! (PS My t-shirt is only $15, but it runs small so order up! Scroll down for more details.)

Outfit Details:

On me: T-shirt, Target. Jeans, Mother Denim. Hat, American Needle. Sneakers, Adidas by Stella McCartney. Watch (old– similar style here), Michele.

On Waverley: Dress, June and January. Hair bow, June and January. Sandals, Salt Water.

On Magnolia: Dress, June and January. Head band, June and January. Moccasins, c/o Freshly Picked.

Photography by Kristian Irey.