Independence Weekend

Because the 4th of July was on a Monday we were able to celebrate all weekend. On Saturday our friends invited us over for a cookout and fireworks.

The kids had a great time playing with all of their friends, and they were all excited about the fireworks. The dads started off with some of the noisier fountains, and Valerie did not like those,

so she came and sat in my lap. After the first few she fell asleep.

When the show was over the kids did sparklers.

Someone had brought the really big long sparklers. The boys had a great time with those.

On Monday the 4th we had all of our family that lives in the area (and my mom and dad who are visiting from Washington) over for dinner and fireworks.

In keeping with the tradition that Ryan's mom has set, we had a parade after dinner while we waited for it to get dark.

My mom showed the kids how to make newspaper hats.

Then we all headed to the garage to decorate the bikes and other vehicles.

Then the parade began. Valerie led the parade in her wagon. And Jon and Jenny were good sports and pushed baby violet in her stroller to end the parade.

Our parade route was just around the block, but we didn't get started until 8:30pm, so there were a lot of people out. When we got about half way around the block some kids came out to watch us pass, and Joe said, "Oh mom this is embarrassing." Emily said "Try being my age and doing this."

I am glad that even though it might be a little embarrassing they are both good sports about it, and I think secretly they liked it. Because other than that little conversation, they were waving their flags and having a good time.

When the parade ended the fireworks began. The laws in Utah changed this year and we were able to do Aerials. This made the show even better, and with all of the neighbors lighting off their fireworks we were very entertained. Not to mention the two show stoppers my dad got for the end of our show. It is always fun to get together with family.

Happy Independence Day!