4th of July

Happy 4th of July! We had lots of fun festivities to keep us busy today.

First off, family photo sporting our yearly flag tees.

Attended the annual community breakfast. Great turnout. Always nice.

Nice breakfast and then a program to honor the veterans in our community. It is always nice and brings our thoughts to the many soldiers that help keep our country free. Thank you for your service.

When we got home, livy was cute and we did a little impromptu photo shoot.

Ahhh, how can you resist this cute thing?

In the afternoon, we went to the Vale parade. It was a pretty decent parade, I had no idea. The kids got loaded with candy and really enjoyed it. There were a lot of floats that involved cooling off with water, water balloons, water guns, etc. Tommy got drenched and loved it.

The kids really loved seeing Smoky the Bear. I love this photo. Livy was in love with him and waved and waved and waved

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The we came home and had a BBQ at mom and dad's. I had fun decorating and making it festive. Crayton loved my flag cake, I almost thought he was going to start eating it.

But my favorite was my coveted raspberry jalapeno jelly. It was my last jar from Julie (stg farmer's market) .....sniffle.... Pour that bad boy over cream cheese and you have a party. It was gone so fast! I really need to learn how to make this stuff!!

Dad, the designated cook

the kids had fun swimming too

We were glad that Dee and Janetta Garner could join us.

Ely discovering grandma's fountain. The essence of childhood, pure delight!

I love mom's deck for entertaining and enjoying good company!

Anna, Sheree, Teniele and Ruben

Can't believe I didn't take more photos of this. It took me a pretty long time to make these, but they are patriot jello shots, sans the alcohol. They kids really liked these. Weston and Lori hanging out with the jello.

the ever constant trio

Uncle Rod and Aunt Launa, Uncle Van and Aunt Susan

Sparklers anyone?

We had a little scare during the firecrackers, the wind blew one over and it shot straight at the crowd, Tessa was a little scared as it came pretty close to her and grandma. Later on, the wind blew over another one and it rocketed toward grandma's pool and put a little burn mark on the bottom of the kiddi pool. Luckily, no one was hurt.

The crazy firecracker lighting crew. Riley, Spencer, Weston, Thayne, Stoney and Dad

Happy 4th of July!