Happy 4th

I know what you are thinking. I am about almost a week late but I didn't want to wish you a Happy 4th until I had some cute pictures to go with it.
Friday, July 3rd, we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house with Mark's family, Hinckley's family, and Katrina's family. I don't think my kids got as much out of it as the Draper temple because the line moved so slow and it took so long but it was still beautiful and I enjoyed talking with the kids about families being sealed in the temple so they can be together forever. Here's a couple of pictures.
After the temple, we had to run straight to the Riverton parade. Brigham got to be in it with his karate class and we got to enjoy the parade with four other families from our ward. The kids had a great time.
Peter took the picture of the RECYCLE float because he wants to use it against the city if they ever get mad at us for putting anything in the bin that doesn't belong. The picture of Porter and Abbey is one of my favorites because they are ALWAYS together. They look like a little old couple sitting on the front porch but they are about 86 years to early.

After the Riverton parade, we headed down to Provo so that we could be up bright and early for the Provo parade. Provo is my favorite. They don't toss out as much candy and, as the man behind us said, the big balloon of Madeline looked like it came from the clearance aisle at the balloon store, but I used to always go with my Grandma and I loved it. Anyway, Jim's family saved the spot this year and they know how to do it. You aren't supposed to sleep out on the street so the cops come by every hour and clear everyone. You have to be there though so that as soon as they leave you can grab the spot back and hold it for another hour until it is morning and they let you stay. And Jim's family needs a big spot. Not just because there are so many of them but because they do a parade the right way. Jim was standing at the grill making pancakes, eggs, and bacon for everyone. It was great. Martie seemed to enjoy it even if she only got to smell it.

Isn't she a patriot? Porter looks bored though I am not sure if it is a result of the lack of candy being given out or just missing Abbey.

Anyway, after the Provo parade, we hurried up to Lisa's for a swim and a barbecue. Uncle Kevin, Aunt Karen, Katie, Kendall, Denise, Denise's Mom, Gaylene, Les, Madison, Taylor, Adam, Amanda, and my mom and dad were there as well. Julia loves Madison and they have a great time together. Lisa has a pretty awesome house (and no I am not just saying that in hopes of getting another invite though I wouldn't turn her down

After leaving Lisa's we decided to take a quick nap and head back to Provo to have dinner with Peter's family and celebrate Jessica's (Nathan's girlfriend) birthday. Julia recited the portion of the Declaration of Independence that she memorized in her school. It was pretty neat. Maybe I will get around to recording it with the camcorder and post it. Anyway, they had INCREDIBLE steaks but we decided not to stay for fireworks as the drive home is almost two hours after the "Stadium of Fire" lets out. And to placate the kids, Peter took Julia and Brigham up on the roof. I went up, backed out and went down, only to go back up again when I realized that I didn't want to miss out on this with my kids. The picture of me below is the only one where I lifted my face off the shingles and the one with Peter I took while sprawled out flat. I don't think the kids know how scared I was but they may have wondered why I was only interested in the fireworks right in front of me.
So, you would think that would be the end of our weekend but the next day we made one last trip down to Provo to have dinner with the family. Talk about a ton of driving! But, it was worth it to see everyone and celebrate the fourth. Yes, we had a surprise when we got home on Sunday night but I have to blog abut that later. I have a crying angel on the floor right now.