4th of July

Oh Independence day, how we love you!  This year was a blast because we (Rachel) decided that we needed to be in Utah for the celebration because Mesa just didn't cut it last year.  It was so fun to get together with a bunch of our cousins and celebrate!  

To start off, we went swimming and then Aubrey did all these girls' hair in matching fashion.  

As we were setting up the dinner, these two cousins decided that the flags were good swords and were fighting each other. 

 I think I counted at least 7 snow cones for this kiddo, not including the ones he stole from unsuspecting people.  But, it was the 4th of July, and you can have as many as you want!  

 I think I have this picture of every year we have been there with these two girls.  We might have to make it a tradition.

 After dinner, we have the flag ceremony and these kids took their jobs seriously.  I also have to note how much Allie has taken to patriotism, wanting to know more and show her pride.  Makes my heart jump for joy.

There were lots of parachutes which almost always followed with this scene.

Hadley wasn't so sure about the loud noise, but got used to it by the end.

 We of course had to do the traditional sparkler shots....

Until you fail as a mom and your son touches a hot sparker.  Sorry bud!  He was fine and didn't even have a blister, but Mike just happened to be taking a picture at that exact moment... awesome.

Kaylee is a girl after my own heart- not wanting to spill your snow cone but still wanting to cover her ears.  Genius.

How I love this day!