Independence Day Picnic(s) + Fireworks

There is nothing like grilling, playing, eating outside, water, family, and friends on Independence Day.

After the morning parade and visiting with my Grandma, we went to my Uncle Ray and Aunt Debbie's house for yummy lunch and visiting with all my mom's side of the family. Inexplicably, we have no pictures except for the shots Ellen took of us all from unflattering angles, so I will spare you.

We spent the afternoon/evening before the fireworks with friends of Sarah and Matt.

The kids were loving the water action, swings, slide, garden, chickens, and perfect weather.


Ellen loved making a friend her own age,


and I'm pretty sure Jack was really enjoying the boys vs. girls chasing action going on.


Rose got all her energy out and then some.


Here we are in downtown Idaho Falls. It was after 9 p.m., but it was still very light outside. We camped out for a couple of hours, watching people and


enjoying the view. My grandparents and parents were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.


It's lovely in the dark, too.


I was worried the kids would be afraid of the fireworks because we haven't been since Ellen was a baby.


By the time they started, Jack Jack was already asleep. Rose watched the first explosion, put her hands over her ears, turned away, closed her eyes and went to sleep.


Elijah sat in my lap through the entire show saying "wow! wow! wow!" It was definitely worth it, just to hear that.