Happy 3rd, 4th and 5th of July!!!

What a crazy weekend! One Holiday stretched out into a three day celebration= really tired Mommy, Daddy, Pippy and the Schwimp.

I worked friday night the 2nd and then rushed home to wake up the girls and get them ready for the day. We picked up our "Bountiful Basket" and then went and bought Sam's Club out of candy.

We dropped off Leila Bug at Mimi and Bampa's and then met Tanner at the DATC, where he was preparing for the Kaysville parade.

We loaded up C.O.S and the ridiculously large semi trailer with candy, hopped on the roof rack of C.O.S. and set off in the parade.

It was so much fun! We did it for the first time last year with Maci in the van. This year we rode on top and it was a blast. She LOVED it. She was totally apprehensive at first and then realized that she got quite a reaction from the crowd when she threw candy over the side......she was all smiles from then on out :) It got toasty up there and we ran out of candy was too soon.....live and learn right?!?

We watched Oak Ridge fireworks that night from Leila's bedroom window... it was amazing. I loved watching fireworks from the roof of our house in San Diego as a kid! How lucky are we? Not only do we live in comfort and peace, but we can celebrate it openly and watch it from our own home!! I was overwhelmed by the blessings that this Country offers. For all the faults and shortcomings of our government, we have it so good. It is a tremendous blessing and responsibility to,

"......pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation UNDER GOD, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

I am truly grateful.

Sunday, the actual 4TH of JULY, was relaxing. We even made it to church on time for the first time this year! We took naps and visited family....pretty much as perfect as Sunday can get :)

On Monday we were lucky enough to have The Rigby's and the Oborns over for a BBQ. Lots of good food, plenty of laughs, a little crying, a fair amount of teasing, delish treats and even some sparklers and bottle rockets.....

The Mamas

Leave it to the boys to figure out how to climb on the roof of the playhouse... Maci loved having her "frens" over to play! Especially Sara....who must have bribed her with some kind of yummy because she is all Maci can talk about right now :)

How cute is that? What's the harm in a little 'Nemo' to entertain them so we can talk in some kind of peace. Don't judge. It's a free country.

Easton, Jack Jack, Cody and Tanner got their fill of fire......it must be a boy thing. Tan and Cody finished off "Hell yeah" the Helicopter with a few dozen M-80's. Maci huddled in the corner of the porch until after about 5 minutes she begged to go inside and go to bed.

I love this time of year!