4th of July 2011

Since school is starting back up in a few weeks and I've only written one summer post, I thought I better get crackin'! I especially couldn't overlook our Fourth of July--because it's my favorite holiday!

Idaho Falls may have miserable fall/spring/winters, minimal entertainment, and the lamest swimming pools in existence, but there's one thing that Idaho Falls does right: The 4th of July! You would think that Boise, the State capitol, would have us beat... but as a former Boise-ian, I can attest that Idaho Falls knows how to throw one fantastic patriotic party. This is probably due to the fact that the local Melaleuca empire funds the entire bash-but hey-whatever the reason, it's a great time!

We always start each 4th bright and early at the parade. The kids love collecting all of the flyers, coupons, and advertisements. They don't care what it is---it's exciting to get something! And I have taught them the fine art of screaming like an idiot for the candy-giving floats. We haul every year! I especially love the feeling of pride and comrade that a small town parade brings. It's so much fun!

Saluting Ashton.

Isn't this the cutest picture ever?

I love this picture because it is real.

There's always one kid who won't oblige Mom for a picture.

Doesn't Carson know I have a blog to write! ?

Much better. There's nothing a little bribery won't fix.

After the parade, we headed to Party Central (Aunt Brooke's house) to BBQ and enjoy fun in the sun! Check out this monsterous homemade slide! The kids were in slip-n-slide heaven!

Kass & Ky

Surf's Up!

Watch out girls...

...someone's up to no good!

Surprise!

Chocolate grins!

Matching Grams & Gramps

Clever Aunt Brooke filled dozens of water balloons which entertained us for hours--only to reuse the balloon scraps for this patriotic craft. How cool is this?
You know you've had a fun day when you're children pass out from exhaustion during the ear-drum blowing fireworks and sleep through the entire thing. Yes, truly a wonderful day.