Happy Fourth!

With my sister and brother in town (Amberlee visiting and Ryan attending BYUI) we wanted to make the 4th of July special. So we had a big day planned.

We started off with a trip to the Rexburg parade in the morning. It was hot and sunny, but well worth all of Connor's giggles as he got to catch candy that was being thrown his way. Bella was in a fit of squirms as she anxiously wanted to exert her independence and walk/run/escape freely. We had two active children, and lots of help containing them, considering Shea's family met us at the parade.

 

The loud bag pipes or band were a "little loud".

 

After the parade we headed home for a big brunch and some napping. Unfortunately Bella was the only one to get a successful nap in. Connor refused to shut his eyes for one minute, even if his head was nodding a little in some doozing fashion. We enjoyed french toast, and our version of Monte Cristos, hashbrowns, and Bacon. It was so yummy we filled up fast and enjoyed every bite. Amberlee even finished making my Mom's famous Flag cake.

Connor tried frozen grapes, our new favorite treat!
 He was a little surprised at first, but loves them!

 

 

Licking the buttercream frosting off the beaters!

 

It was nice to relax and lounge for a bit before we were off to dinner at the park. We were worried about crowds of people, but we picked a good time and it wasn't crowded at all. The sprinkly rain might have had a little something to do with that. But a few drops couldn't dampen our spirits, and in reality the only thing the rain did was cool down the weather for us. Shea grilled us burgers and we settled at a picnic table as we watched Connor and Bella enjoy the playground.

She was a little nervous about not being
able to get near Daddy while he grilled.

Watching children while Shea's grilling.

Playing in the dirt. No surprise.

Red nails in honor of our Red,White, and Blue attire :)



 

Bella's new word "CHEESE",
for pictures! Adorable.
 

 

 

She only smiles this big for Daddy.

Soon enough it was time to pack up and start our way home. We dropped off all our leftovers, and let Connor take a short nap, before we were on the road headed to Idaho Falls for fireworks. We wanted to get there early. It was a little difficult finding a spot, considering we didn't want to be caught in the massive crowds. So we tried to find one not too far away. Since we had only seen the Melaleuca Fireworks once before and we were right on the river that time, we weren't the best judge of distance. So after an hour of delay (someone had fallen in the river and Search and Rescue was looking for them), the fireworks finally started. The kids were fighting sleep the entire time so they didn't get to enjoy it much. Connor was caught wimpering "I want to go home" more than a few times, especially when he heard a loud firework. The show was AWESOME! But I would have liked a closer view. All in all it was a jampacked day of 4th of July fun.

 

Bella wasn't quite sure about the fireworks at first.

Both Bella and Connor only wanted to sit with Daddy.

 

Bella got used to the noise and soon enough she was ready
 and willing to play a game of chase while we watched.

Proud to live in the USA!
We are so grateful for all the opportunities that are provided to us and the fact that our country was founded by God-fearing men.We enjoyed paying tribute to those that fight for our country past and present, on this holiday. We are reminded of the freedom, strength, and strong patriotism that resides in this beautiful land. We are so blessed to live in a land protected by God.
I am proud to be an American.