Fourth of July Fireworks

We decided to check out the fireworks in Boulder City this year.  We left what we thought was nice and early to get a spot on the grass at Veterans Memorial Park, but when we got there a line of about 50 cars greeted us.  Sigh.  We had heard that there was a good place to see the fireworks at an LDS Church building parking lot, so we headed over there.  Once we got there, we ran into our friends, the Kenningtons, and hung out with them passing the time until it got dark.

We left some space behind our cars next to the fence, and had a party.

It started out ok . . .

. . . but then it got a little wild.

When it got dark and the fireworks started, the kids got on top of the car for a better view.

We ran out of room on the Kennington's Pilot, so Reagan and Maddy got a private balcony on the Odyssey.

After the fireworks, we navigated traffic for a long while, and then caught a private fireworks show thanks to the Lynn's and their friends across the street.  It was a fun Fourth of July celebration.

Keeping Cool

Reagan and her best friend Maddy

Will taking aim

Most parks around here have splash pads. We don't play at the park during the summer unless we are wet--its necessary in keeping cool while enjoying some outdoor time.

More Pictures from Father's Day Weekend

I was able to bring my family to "This is the Place Heritage Park" as part of the MYSC reunion events. I haven't been there in years and was very surprised at what a fun and entertaining place it has become. My kids rode horses and trains, learned about the people who helped establish the Salt Lake Valley, panned for gold and exchanged it for candy at the bank, embellished an old fashioned puppet to their liking, and ate a picnic lunch provided by the reunion. It was a fantastic day for our family! Take your kids if you haven't been before!

Reagan loved the little community of playhouses they had in one area of the park.

Will and Taylor - All of the kids loved going from house to house where they had people dressed in costumes to engage the kids in learning more about its history and the family that had lived in it.

The next day we enjoyed "hanging" out with my family for Father's Day in my parents backyard. Eric brought his ropes.

My niece Olivia

My superhero nephew Noah

My niece Ava

Under Construction

If you know me, you know I hate trying to work with Blogger when it comes to redesigning and updating my blog. I'm in the process as you may be able to tell. Looks like I might have to get my talented husband involved in this effort. Ugh! Poor guy always has to come to my rescue.

A Papa Pastime

Pastime - an activity or entertainment which makes time pass pleasantly.

My kids always know they can talk their Papa into pushing them on the swings in his backyard. Playing on this swing set my dad made for his grand kids in the backyard, is one of the things my kids look forward to most about visiting Nana and Papa on a trip to Utah. We spent some time there a couple of weeks ago (over Father's Day) and it was nice hanging out with my Daddy (he's currently unemployed so he had more time than usual) for his birthday and Father's Day.

Reagan and Will

Will

Lyndsee's turn

(Look closely at the "Will" picture of Papa to see a classic look on his face.)

Our Seven Year Old

Taylor is 7 years old now! Where does the time go? This year was supposed to be the year that we didn't have a friend party but it kind of turned into that anyway. I knew she would love sharing one of her favorite places (McDonald's) with her friends so I picked up a bunch of her little girl friends in one car and Eric drove our other three kids in the other car. This was all a surprise to Taylor. I enjoyed listening to the chatter that goes on between little girls of this age and seeing Taylor thrill in her little surprise for the evening. She loved and appreciated what we did that night which made me smile. I hope I can always get it right.
Her friends Kaitlyn, Riley, Lilly, and Abi all contributed in making Taylor's birthday a great one. In Taylor's words, "it was fun!".

Memorial Weekend--Having fun near home

Taylor's final dance concert for the year was on Friday night of Memorial Day weekend. Its always so fun for her to get on stage and fun for us as her parents to watch her dance.

The next day we went for a 4-wheel drive down to a beach along the Colorado River. It was a beautiful day and because the access to this area is limited to most vehichles, we felt far from the crowds. The water was nice along this stretch with lots of shallow water and so we let the kids get wet.

We went with our friends the Davidsons who are loving their new jeep.

After our drive which we started in Boulder City, we noticed the big Veteran's Memorial Cemetary and thought it would be appropriate to stop and remember those that have served our country. It was a sight to behold with all the little flags that were placed at every tombstone.
The kids looking on.
Reagan