Fourth of July - Fireworks

My family has a 4th tradition of laying out on the grass of the motel across the street from where the fireworks are set off. The fireworks are so close that you can feel the explosions and it is my favorite memory associated with the 4th. This year I felt that the kids were old enough to go and enjoy the experience. McKay loved it! Ellie fell asleep. There is always next year.

Getting all settled in with Lindsay and Aaron.

"Whoa Mom, maybe this is a little scary!"

The anticipation was killing McKay. He was doing his excited face and bouncing in his seat.

And they begin.

Ellie is not quite sure.

McKay loved the fireworks. He had his eyes glued to the sky the whole time.

Ellie thought it was too loud for Sandy, her dog, and scary. Notice how Sandy is covering her eyes with her ears.

Ellie had a long day. The parade, swimming all day with no nap, and now staying up past 10:00. It was too much to take. She fell asleep DURING the fireworks.

Fourth of July - Pool Party

After the parade we spent the afternoon up at Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house. They had a big family/ward poolside BBQ. Ellie was in the pool all day. She even got brave enough to swim on her own, with a life jacket of course.

McKay and Ellie dancing poolside.

McKay was intent on making this huge dragon go down the slide. We had to tell him it wasn't going to work.

Luckily Ellie had her dad to swim with her all day. I know I wasn't getting in a swimsuit!

Taking a break

Say Cheese!

Fourth of July - Parade

One thing that I do miss about living in Utah is the Freedom Festival and celebrating with family. It was wonderful to be able to be in Provo this year for the festivities. Happy Birthday America!

Here comes the parade.

Ellie enjoying the parade with Grandpa Jeff

and Lindsay

Most of the rest of us moved back into the shade but McKay insisted on being front and center for the whole thing.




Clara enjoyed her first 4th of July.

Ellie got to pet the little mini horses

and a llama.

Fat Cat's

We have now created a tradition of going bowling at Fat Cat's when we go to Utah. The kids have a wonderful time. This last time we even got lunch.



Ellie watching intensely.

Lining up his shot.

McKay decided that for good luck he would blow in each finger hole before each turn.

Celebrating a terrific bowl.

Practicing for her modeling career.

Ellie wore herself out.

Scera Pool

While in Utah Aunt Lindsay took McKay and Ellie to the Scera pool. What a great aunt. Ellie had a wonderful time, McKay I'm not so sure. Lindsay called and had us come pick him up half way through. He didn't want to stay. That's my kids for you. Ellie grabs life by the horns and goes full steam ahead. McKay is a lot more cautious and enjoys the sidelines.



At least they are both smiling here.

Aunt Lindsay and the kids.

Ellie and cousin Kimberly, or "Aunt" Kimmy if you ask her.

Grandma's Garden

Not only is my mom's yard a flower wonderland but it's also fun for the kids.
Cousin Hailey and Ellie decided to put on a performance of "Hakuna Matata" with pom-poms. I loved their entrance.

Ellie was really getting into character.

McKay enjoying watering time in the vegetable garden. At one point he went a little overboard and my mom came out to potatoes above ground. Luckily they could be replanted.

Dog pile on Hailey

Ellie's impersonation of a starfish.