Happy 4th of July Weekend 2008

Our weekend has been such a blur! It's all gone by way toooo fast! We had a great holiday! It ranks right up there with one of the funnest! July 4th is one of our "BIG" holiday celebrations. It wouldn't be the 4th without spending it with our friends Dave and Ri'! Tradition---to get our spot the night before, and in our case the day before the 4th. We (Cheri and I--and now the girls) camp out- over night, play games, laugh, scare ourselves etc. It's one of those "remember last year?" fun memories. I was not able to spend the night out this year-I got a little food poisoning the night before and didnt make it over night this year, but Ash and Nicki were there to take my place.

Here are our sidewalk sleepers---Brady, Ash and Nicole.


Our morning was spent at the Parade....

Me--anxiously awaiting the excitement!

Steve loves his Ash!

My Mom and Dad joined us along with Steves little Sis Barb!



Ker and Cheri- we are looking a little tired and hot!

Zac and Ash--I cant believe we have come to the parade with these kids since before Ash was born! CRAZY!

Lauren, Hallie, Megs and Mikayla are ready to party!

Steve and Dave just endure the heat for their wives and offspring! LOL--the big haired boy in the middle is their exchange student Raul.

The highlite of the parade was that we were on Channel 13 News. Yes with "Big Buddha". Megan thought it was the coolest thing ever! We had lots of chanting going on. It was a Blast! My Mom and Dad said it was the best parade they had been to. Infact, my dad has not been to a parade in 10 years. But what can you expect in little Idaho Falls?! C'mon now.

We spent the afternoon getting ready for our big family barbeque and fireworks. This year we were a little more laid back than others, but we still had fun.


I made my traditional home made ice cream, and here is a photo of Barb and her very festive yummy Independance cake! Trina made some fire cracker trifle as well. It was YUM! My dad dutch ovened all of the chicken and potatoes! It was a fab meal!

The evening was spent doing fireworks. We opted not to go to the Stadium of Fire this year. Mason would not have been too fun to take quite yet-so we did the traditional fireworks in the front. The kids had a great time. Steve was frustrated because Megan and Mason would not stop bugging him about lighting the fireworks. Here is cute Mikayla doing some sparklers.

A little Kareoke and crowd wave to "Proud to be an American"! We had a great 4th! We are so blessed to live here, and to enjoy the freedoms that we do. We are blessed to be with such great families and friends! Thanks for coming guys! We love you!