The 4th of July

The fourth has long been one of my favorite holidays. I can remember when we lived in Massachusetts the day was always full of fun followed by firework in a huge field with hundreds of other people. I remember the smell, the lightning bugs and most of all mom's jean quilt and all of us piled on waiting to watch the show. Then there has been the reunions with my dad's side of the family at the cabin every year since we had moved back to the west. I LOVE getting to see all my cousins and aunts and uncles, etc. We may not always get to talk to everyone, there are a lot of us, but is nice just to see and be near them. We we lucky enough to get to join in that last year when we were in Utah for the summer. This year I was a little worried. We've only been in Cleveland for a month and we really haven't had many opportunities to make friends. Luckily the ward had a breakfast and bike parade. Then I found out about a bbq later in the day. It seemed we wouldn't have to spend it alone after all! The kids were so excited! The breakfast was delicious and there were so many people there. We had a nice time visiting and getting to know people a little more. (Everyone but Lily that is. She is like her Pa and HATED the big crowd. She just wanted to hide from everyone the whole time.) Next was the bike parade. All the kids lined up ready to ride around the parking lot. Lily didn't want to join, but didn't want to be left out so eventually Nate just walked around with her, but she stayed off the the side and wouldn't talk to anyone :).

Luke got to be a part of the color guard and helped put the flag up and take it down, hence the boy scout shirt.

After the event was over we went home, made stuff for the bbq dinner later and just relaxed at home. The picnic was a lot of fun, although I didn't take any pictures there. While we were there someone told us about a great place to watch the fireworks. It was a private golf course near their house that they said no one ever went to, and you could see the show perfectly from it. We all headed over and it was totally open. We all set up our blankets, got settled, and the sprinklers turned on.

We all made a mad dash to pick up our things, everyone but some crazy kids who decided to run through them. (yes that is my child trying to step ON the sprinkler...) We found someone who worked there who informed us that this year they were actually shooting the fireworks off FROM that golf course, so they had to wet the grass a little for fire safety. We just had to move over a little and we were fine. Turns out we moved to a much better spot for viewing. While we waited for the main even we passed the time with sparklers, what kids doesn't LOVE sparklers?!

It was an amazing show and all the kids did really well. No melt downs, no fussing, nothing. Just happy enjoyment of the day. It was wonderful. It almost made up for the fact that we had no family to share it with.

Happy 4th of July, so thankful for those who sacrificed so much and continue to sacrifice so that I can enjoy all that I do enjoy!