4th of July

This 4th of July was a little crazy or as JJ put it weird. Our kids stayed over and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Tara's place the night before. So Jeron and I only had Elsie in the morning. We normally go to some kind of breakfast but with the kids all gone Jeron Elsie and I just ate yummy cinnamon rolls (courtesy of Jan) for breakfast instead. When the kids got home we hurried and put on their 4th of July attire and headed off the the parade. I was at the hospital all day and night the day before so we were not able to "save our spot" for the parade. We found this place in front of some mailboxes. No one had taken it because it doesn't have any grass. I am actually thinking it was a pretty awesome place. We stand the whole time anyways helping the kids get their candy and things. This year when we got to the parade it was 74 degrees. That is crazy. It also rained a little. It was almost to cold for the water portion.

Ellie would get bored with the parade and go and sit here.

Elsie being too cute as usual.

So excited for the big parade

There was another accident this year so we had to sit and wait for the water portion of the parade. We ate Popsicle and checked out all we got. The girls all got Mickey Mouse necklaces, Ellie got a stuffed animal, Emma got an Ariel light, JJ got a football and they all got mardi gras beads. Oh and a ton of candy. Ellie also got a balloon. As we were waiting for the rest of the parade Ellie decided to roll down the hill. The balloon got wrapped around her arm and neck so when she pulled her arm it would stangle her. She got a red mark around her neck and it terrified her. I felt so bad. I got it off but felt horrible for her.

I was bummed this year because I needed to stay dry so that I could go to the hospital after the parade. I was glad to see that one of my kids is as crazy as me. I love the the water and love to get soaked and it looks like JJ is the same. Emma on the other hand does not like the water. She kept saying it was because she was going to the hospital but you have to wonder.

The kids and me headed down to see Mama at the hospital after the parade. I was a little nervous to take them because I didn't want them to be scared but they wanted to go. On the way down everyone fell asleep except for Elsie. Emma woke up and I told her to look at the ugly thing up on the mountain. (It was the Y) She looked at the mountain and said it is so brown that is ugly. That is when I showed her the way and she said "Why would they put that on the mountain?" in a very disgusted voice. Then I woke up JJ and said look at the mountain. He took one look and in a droggy voice said "BOOOO" It was hilarious.

The older two did just fine seeing Mama. They are so happy that she is doing so well.

Ellie and Elsie on the other hand were a little scared. Ellie kept saying "Mama, Owieee" They didn't want to get to close. I could tell Ellie was very worried.

After the hospital Jeron and I took the kids to get Taco Bell. Then we went to the fireworks. We had laid out blankets earlier that day so we would have a spot. We found an awesome parking spot really close. As we were walking up Maren called me and said we are here where are you. We were pleasantly surprised to have Maren, Ryan, Michael, and David come and join us. As we were laying out our stuff we hear "hey, what are you guys doing here?" It was Smitty and Ashlee. We all ended up watching the fireworks together. I was so happy. It almost made it feel normal. One thing I love about the 4th is it is a great time to be with your family and this year felt so weird. It was nice to have it end on some what of normal note. I did miss Mama and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa though. The fireworks were a little shotty. They had some technical difficulties but all in all it was good. I will have to say I love my chessy Kaysville Parade and Davis Fireworks. I love tradition and this is one of my favorite ones.

Uncle David and his Boo

Ellie, Maren, Emma, and Ryan. It was so nice to have the Vogel here.

JJ, Kerry, Ellie, Jill, and Emma.
Yes that is Miss Utah with my kids OMGoodness!

Smitty, JJ, and Ashlee

Our cute family

David, Elsie, and Michael

When we went to our van after the show we were in the non moving line. Jeron noticed smoke and realized it was our van. We ended a really great time with some sad news. Our van is probably moving on to van heaven. We think we blew a head gasket. BUMMER! We will have to see about that later. JJ said "We woke up in a different beds then our own, we didn't do a breakfast, we didn't save spots at the parade, we got rained on at the parade. we didn't have a bar-b-que, we went to a hospital, we ate Taco Bell, the fireworks broke, and then the van broke, this was a weird 4th of July."

I love the 4th of July. I love that it is about freedom, family, and fun. I just want to say though that this year when I was listening to the tribute for the soldiers on the radio it brought tears to my eyes. I am so grateful that my family lives in a country that is safe and free. We are so blessed to have the freedoms that we have. Most of us have never had to give up much to enjoy these freedoms. I am so grateful to those who are willing to sacrifice for me so that I can raise my family in peace not fear. When I see the flag I always feel a sense of reverence. I am thankful for a country that lets its citizens have a dream and actually be able to attain it. God bless the USA!