4th of July!!!

Well this is the THIRD year in a row that Ryan has had to work on the 4th of July! Poor guy! The kids and I still had a fun time celebrating with out him... but are really hoping he can join in the fun next year! In the morning we headed to the Summerlin Parade with the Browns, Russ was working too so it was just Mandi and the kids. It happened to be over cast and fairly cool (80's), which never happens in Vegas in July, so we were actually able to enjoy sitting outside and watching the parade!



There was a divider in the road and we were on the far side, now we will know for next time!


Brinley, Casen, Koda, Mandi, Marlee, Tia


The kids and I... I know we don't look overly festive, but we tried to at least be red, white and blue :)



The kids were pretty excited to see Toy Story in the parade, especially the giant potato!


The kids got tired of being so far so we let them go stand close to the median. I think they were really excited to see everything up close!



The kids and their loot - candy, gum, necklaces, toothbrushes, and otter pops! I had told the kids they might get stuff and they didn't get this stuff til the end, so they were pretty excited when they did!


After the parade we went to U-Swirl for frozen yogurt and then back to Mandi's house. The kids were excited cause they love it there! The made popcorn in the popcorn machine and had fun with Nerf guns, but their favorite part was these little scooters...


Brinley would get going so fast down the hill and then jump off the sidewalk onto the road, I thought she was crazy, but she was having a great time!


Casen loved it too, which was kinda surprising... usually he isn't too daring even though he wants to be. But he definitely got fast going down the hill! Notice his red hot face!


Marlee sporting her Patriotic outfit


I set of a few fire crackers for the kids. I had them all sitting up by the garage while I lit them in the street, then I would run back up the driveway towards them... everytime I would run back Marlee would start cracking up. I think she thought I was playing a game, but it was so stinkin cute!


Two tired kids trying to watch "fireworks"


Our friends the Fullams invited us over for a few fire works since our kids had never really seen any. The kids had a great time watching!


By the end the 5 other kids were inside and too afraid off the loud noises, etc, but Brinley loved it to the very end and Jeremy let her do this little sparkler.

I am sure grateful for the wonderful country we live in and the many freedoms we enjoy!!!