Independence Day Rocking in the USA

We had a whirlwind of fun this Fourth of July.  The week before, we had cousin Tayla stay the week.  The girls had the best time and love each other so much, it's so sweet to see them together.  They had a list of all kinds of activities they wanted to do and we did them all except one, because it was an outdoor activity and it was stormy that day.  The girls did a fashion show, put on a play, we went to the park, they sewed some skirts (mostly on their own), camped in the backyard, helped me make some meals and treats, and giggled and played a ton.


We left town Friday around lunch time.  It was a nice day!  We got down to Utah, made a trip to Sam's Club, had pizza with the family, then left to Eaglewood to watch the fireworks.  The kids had a great time running around on the grass, throwing balls, and playing with Grandma's year supply of glow sticks.  Cov was picking up on older chicks, ha ha!  It was so funny!  As these teenage girls passed, he started walking after them, gave them the cutest little bashful grin, then was fixing his hair.  Emma loved being with Tayla and Amber, Cal and Kaison kept running all over, and Lucy and Brody were doing funny things to make us all laugh.  We played mosquito tag with Uncle Marko, that was fun.  And we ate a lot of peanut butter popcorn.  The fireworks show was good this year, lots of smiley faces and hearts, the kids loved that!

The next day, we woke up and went to the North Ogden parade.  My cousins were in it, which was fun!  Shan was Miss North Ogden 1st Attendant and Cari was a pioneer on their Stake float.  It was a fun parade we've never been to, but it was nice to see them and our other family, including Dave & kids, visiting from Vegas.  The kids got a lot of goods and were so happy to see Morgan & Kyle.

 

Then we ran a few errands, and we were off to a family picnic at Friendship Park.  Our new watermelon cutter we brought was the hit of the party, it was hot but still nice.  Then swimming at Lois & Keiths was next.  The kids loved swimming and didn't want to stop!  But they all crashed on the drive back.  After that, it was back to Grandma & Grandpa Ryerses.

We got cleaned up, had a BBQ there, played for a while, then it was our favorite firework show, Davis High fireworks!  While we were waiting, we watched the crazy sky - it was so dusty and gray and stormy, but never rained.  We played some good Uno rounds, went on the Bouncy houses, and took several trips to the bathroom (of course kids never all have to go at the same time, haha!).  The fireworks were awesome this year, but ended abruptly, I think they had some technical difficulties and never really had that grand finale, but they were still great!  I always love their song selection and how they set the fireworks to the music.  It's like pyro-coreography.  Sitting under the stars, looking at the sky being lit up with my little family always is a great time for me to reflect on the many blessings, privileges and opportunities I enjoy living in this country.  I'm so thankful to live here - for the freedoms we enjoy and to those who help make it that way.  I get goosebumps and wet eyes thinking about the origin and history of this country, what this nation has gone through and what we can accomplish as a people.  I know there are lots of problems in our government and with our country right now.  But I also know it will all be okay.  There's also a lot of good around still.  And as long as there are some righteous people, this land will be blessed.  One of my favorite songs - "And there ain't no doubt I love this land...God bless the U.S.A!"  I hope He will bless this land...Happy Independence Day!