The 4th of July

Dont know how this picture got here but ENJOY!

Cannons going off at the parade!

Crafting at the Christensen's

Cami telling the kids is a big, funny story!

Chase, newly returned missionary, being so sweet with the little boys- playing non stop!

We had a fabulous 4th of July this year! It started off with a bang down at the parade! We cruised down to Dad's old house and parked by his old elementary school (now a huge, modern looking apartment complex) and walked down to the parade. It was blazing hot but we had fun. We had a nice shady spot and the kids loved all the horses and floats and balloons!

On the way back up to the canyon Parker and I stopped for a Slurpie- one of the highlights of the day for me because I was sweating from head to toe! Sev to the rescue! Then I whipped up a batch of Aunt Jane Rice Crispy Treats and met everyone at the Bullock Family Reunion. The kids got right to rock throwing in the river. We ate fried chicken and caught up with the cousins. It was super fun, as usual. It wouldn't be the 4th of July without fried chicken by the Provo river! No introductions were made this year- it was a little bit lower key. It was a tender day for Joann knowing it was her first year celebrating her wedding anniversary without her sweet husband.

Mom, Dad, Parker, and I went to the Christensen's for a few hours after the reunion. Emily planned and prepared some fun games for the kids. Parker was a little hesitant at first because he was tired and grumpy but quickly found his holiday spirit and LOVED playing games with the kids! My friend Liz came down and hung out with me for a bit and it was fun to see her! She's adorable as usual and currently dating my ex coworker which makes for some VERY entertaining conversations. It was cool seeing the Christensen gang. They are good people. Parker was SO mad when we had to leave but the fun doesn't stop on the 4th of July and we had more festivities to attend!

It was back up the canyon to Uncle Dick's cabin for a family BBQ with the Maires kids and kid's kids. ;-) We hadn't seen Rick as Kristy and their kids since Kelsey's wedding and that was for sure a couple years ago so it was way fun to see them and catch up. They are such a lively bunch. Cute Chase and Cade played with and entertained Parker with inter tubes for hours. What good boys they are! Gabriel and Eli too! We had burgers and sat on the grass over looking the river and beautiful mountains. Amy made the BEST dessert ever. I really think I might die if I don't ever get to try it again. It was really pretty scrumptious. Rick and Stacy were there with Jon and Justine all grown up- crazy how time flies. Mike and Amy had their boys but the girls were at EFY and Kristen and Steve Had to leave early to take Sophie to soccer. Maddy is in Texas doing a ballet intensive. I'm sad to say that uncle Dick is in the hospital and not doing very well. He probably won't ever be able to come home again. Keep the family and especially Uncle Dick in your prayers. We love our cousins and it was so nice spending the evening with them.

We went to our "go to" spot for fire works- our old church parking lot! We really missed having Tanner there with his pyrotechnic skills but Cort put on quite a show and Cami provided some great, patriotic background music! The kids were THRILLED with the fire works. I mean, they could not get enough. It was the perfect ending to this wonderful 4th of July. We were all jealous of Josi celebrating our nations birth in the nations Capitol city! How cool is that!?

I am so thankful for our beautiful country and for the freedoms that we enjoy. I love our flag and take such pride in saluting it and showing my respect. I'm thankful for Matt for defending our nation and keeping us safe- and for all our troops past and present. I'm grateful for our founding fathers and for all the sacrifices they made to build this profound nation and stand in awe of the many miracles that took place to get us where we are today. God bless America!!! Land of the free and home of the BRAVE!!!!

Love you!!!!