Festivities on the 4th

We had a fabulous 4th of July this summer. Usually, we don't get the chance to really celebrate the 4th much because it's right before music camp. But we got lucky this year as it was a week before camp instead of one day before, so we got to participate in all the festivities.


And it was a BLAST! If you know what I mean.


It started with the ward breakfast at 8:00 AM. (I feel bad for those whose wards hold their breakfast earlier than this. Like at 6:00. Just one of the many reasons I love our ward.) Bishop Ivers read a very touching letter that you can listen to here. If you haven't yet had the privilege of reading it, you should take a minute to watch this. Have a Kleenex handy. What a perfect start to a holiday that celebrates this amazing country and those who fight for our liberty and happiness.


After the breakfast, we attended the Rexburg parade. 

Later, we went to my parents for a barbecue.
I took a ton of pictures, as usual. 

My parents and Jared and Nicole provided several water slides which provided the kids and adults with ample entertainment.

And then Lance and Becky brought this one which pretty much trumped all the other water slides. 

What's 4th of July without lots of yummy treats???

And, of course, fireworks*!!!

*Which were perfectly legal and turned out quite awesome enough. However, we were also able to watch a few neighbors' illegal fireworks, so I'm glad we didn't go to Wyoming or anything to buy them ourselves - spending WAY more money. 

Not to mention, that would be ILLEGAL! 

Kevin and Melissa invited us to their home to light fireworks. The kids loved it. I prefer this over the famed IF fireworks accompanied with the awful traffic, spot searching, and waiting... Plus, the older kids get to light these fireworks themselves. What can be cooler than that?