4th of July

It was nice to back in our hometown for the 4th of July this year. They really celebrate it in style. We went to the big parade first thing in the morning.
It was hot but my parents brought the big umbrella from their patio set so we had some shade.
Ryan took the two girls and walked down to parade route to visit his family.

Annie, my future sister-in-law, and Ellie.
Clara digging into the stash of parade treats.
After the parade we headed up to the Hill's for a pool party and BBQ. The 4th also happens to be Ryan's sister McKensie's birthday so it was also a joint celebration for her.


Ellie wanted me to take pictures of her poising on the rocks. She is such a girl.
Jackson & Ellie

Aunt Whitnie & Clara going for a swim.
Mandy, Clara, and McKensie, the birthday girl, enjoying the shade.


"YEE-HAW!"



Down in my families traditional spot to watch the fireworks. It is just across the street from where the fireworks are let off. It's the best place I've ever found, and I've been going there as long as I can remember.

And they begin. The fireworks were just a little loud but everyone loved them. Clara kept pointing to the sky and clapping. For being so exhausted, she sure had a good time.
Mrs. Mud and Little Mud, or Courtney and Ellie.

We had a great, exhausting holiday!

St. George

One of the perks of moving back is that we get to getaway to St. George. It's the perfect place for a long weekend and thanks to the Hudsons we had great company and a great place to stay.

On the drive down we finally got all of them asleep. Of course it was when we only had about 25 minutes of the drive left.

Bracken and Talia have a great place that has a clubhouse with private pool. It was wonderful to go swimming there because it was never crowded.

This was Clara's first time in a pool and she loved it.

Ellie, our little mermaid.

All she wanted to do was go swimming. I think once we went 3 times in one day.

McKay enjoying the water with his goggles.

The Hill girls.

Out to dinner.
Mom's crazy face.
Ellie's crazy face.
Dad's crazy face.
McKay just thought we were all crazy.


On our second day there we went to Jumping Jack's. An indoor bounce place that a friend of Ryan's from high school had opened. The little and big kids had a great time.


Ryan & Clara, Bracken & Skylar
Ready to go down the big slide.

She liked it.

We had a great weekend. It's always nice to get away. Thanks again to the Hudsons for having us down. Man, you guys are great friends to have around!

Progress

Clara is finally making progress when it comes to walking. She has still got a long way to go but she is working on it, when she WANTS to. The little stinker will be 17 months in two weeks. It's about time!