July 3rd & 4th

  After almost 10 years of marriage and 3 different homes, we decided it was time to buy a flag and hang up it up.

So for Family Home Evening Ryan did just that, and the kids were thrilled.  It looks beautiful. I only wished we had done it years earlier.

We then lit our sparklers in the hot humid heat.

 But is was really fun.

Gracie was scared of them at first and when Ryan handed her one,

she dropped it on the ground and ran away.  But don't worry, it didn't burn our house down - or the neighbors.

She did eventually warm up to them as the evening went on.

Cautious Christopher Robin who LOVES fire wore Ryan's leather glove so the sparklers wouldn't burn him.  I thought it was funny.

Do you remember what snakes are?  Little black pellets that you light on fire and then they grow into a big black mess. They are captivating to watch, and the kids of course loved them!  -So did Ryan!

Then next morning, on the 4th at 10:00AM we went to the parade. 

The first 45minutes were exciting and wonderful.  The last 45 minutes were excruciating and boring.  (In my opinion).  But Christopher Robin loved the whole thing.  So we stayed to the bitter, hot, end. And I got sick in the heat!

At noon we arrived at the Erickson's for their annual party.  It was so much fun.

Jace had a blast.  He had a water fight with the missionaries.

Ryan had a great time at the man table.  

We smashed watermelons on  a plastic tablecloth again this year.

It is such a fun tradition.

When we have to move away in a few years, I am going to borrow this tradition from the Erickson's.

Towards the end of the party, Miss Gracie finally decided to put on her swimming suit and join the water fun.

Julie made these neat water fight sponges for the kids to play with, and they were a hit. Christopher  Robin loved them.  I am going to make some for us.  After we ate several cups of Phil's homemade lemon ice cream, we headed home.  On the way home, Christopher Robin said it was the best party he has ever been to.

That night, Rue got all adorned in her bling to go see the fireworks.  

We went to the top of the hospital parking lot to see the city's display.  It turned out to be a good spot.

Gracie was a little scared at first, but she did better with her ear muffs on.

The boys had a great time.  There were residents in the parking lot watching the fireworks wearing their green scrubs, and Ryan was glad that he has paid his dues, and didn't have to be on call this year.  And so was I.

It was a great 4th of July.