July 4th

I hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July...because we sure did. Lizzie and Emma were up early ready to dress in their patriotic clothes and get their hair done. (I love having girls!)

Lizzie posed and asked if she could get her picture taken to put on the blog. Here's her cute hair!

Our ward has a tradition of putting on a breakfast with a parade and some games.
Steve, Braxton, and Evan participated in the flag raising ceremony.

Evan rode his ripstick in the parade. It wasn't as fast as the bikes, but very impressive.

Carter has a fun group of boys that he LOVES hanging out with. Here they are all trying to beat each other in the parade.

Emma's not to be outdone. If you look closely, Lizzie was trying her best at her scooter, but ended up on the 2nd time around going for a ride in the wagon on the right. Lazy bones!

Tug of war is always crazy and fun! This was YM v. YW!

Gunne Sac races are the best! I regret I didn't compete this year, but enjoyed watching the kids have fun. This picture features Evan (far left), Emma (2nd from left), and Lizzie (3rd from R).

Here's Steve making an amazing catch in the water-balloon toss. What a man!
After the breakfast, we headed over to Cantigny, a 500 acre park with gardens, museums, a tank park, and free entertainment. After a picnic lunch, we headed over to the magic show and blow up slides.

The kids always love climbing all over the tanks (and not getting yelled at for doing so).
I love the First Division Museum, where you enjoy American History through the eyes of the First Division. It takes you through WWI and into the Gulf War. I learn something new every time I go.

On the way home, we hit the swimming pool for an hour and then home to wash up and head over to our good friends' home for food, fun, and fireworks. What a spectacular day!

I know it's silly, but I love the food on the 4th. Hamburgers, watermelon, and anything with red, white and blue sprinkles. Mmmmm! My kids obviously love it, too. Here are my favorite shots from the pie eating contest.

What a great way to celebrate!!!

(It's what the Founding Fathers would have wanted, right?!)