4th of July

Every year we say we are going to go to the 4th of July parade and every year when the time comes....we forget. Not this year! We made sure to remember and got up and headed down town. We had a wonderful time! For most of our kids this was the first parade they had ever seen. Sad, I know! They loved it and were so excited with all the candy that was thrown at them! About half way thru Shadd comes up and says his hand hurts from all the waving he was doing to everyone in the parade!
Later in the afternoon Nana, Uncle Micah, Aunt Lynette, Lynette's mom, and our sweet friends the Silva's came to celebrate the 4th with us.
We barbecued tri-tips, sausages, and hotdogs. Mrs. Silva brought her wonderful potato dish. My children all begged for me to have her make it! We had corn on the cob and fresh fruit. We pretty much grazed all afternoon and evening. Oh, maybe that was just me grazing! What a great day to be pregnant though, I had a good excuse to graze!
There was lots of swimming, playing ball in the backyard,visiting, and of course fireworks! The Silva's also brought their exchange student from Spain. It was neat to see her watch how we celebrate our country's freedom. Apparently they have something similar on May 24th.
We felt so blessed to enjoy this holiday with our family and friends. We only wished that Papa could have been here with us! We missed you Papa!


Ready to go see the parade. Doesn't she look excited?




Watching the parade.











My big girls even loved the parade!








There is a reason why Aunt Nette is voted the best Auntie in the world around here! Can you guess why?



Happy, happy, happy!










Mr.Silva decided to paint a rock. I think he was is a bit confused about what holiday it was! Maybe a flag would have been better?!!




Aunt Lynette is famous for her cookies! Can we say yummy?!!







Playing some ball. Boy, does he look serious or what?




My sweet Poppet.










Lynette, me, Nana, Micah, and my mom.







Shadd and his best buddy, Cynthia. Aren't they the cutest! Look at those smiles!




Poppet and Lolly were not to sure about the fireworks.







My handsome guy! Notice the concerned look on Lolly's face?














Covering those ears! Mrs. Silva did a great job of keeping her safe!











Shaylah and sweet Alisia.



My two littlest punkins!


The kiddos had lots of fun lighting fireworks!



Happy 4th of July!