Not much of a change from tradition here. Love this day so much. It was a little different because Justin didn't get there until around noon (he had to set up flags with the scouts early and then drove down, I was already in Plain City). Even though the 4th is always my thing that he goes along with, he's still my sidekick and I realized how many people I don't know these days in that little town that is growing so fast. I felt slightly out of place without him, but I still had my family so it was all good. Just better when he got there.
The bike parade is always first! We decorated our bikes at grandma and grandpa's the night before. Molly took her electric scooter (she is way too big for her bike these days, plus she is embarrassed because it's not her style anymore).
Then we watch the actual parade. None of my kids are too old to match with their cousins. Ivy figured out really quickly how to fetch the candy and put it in her bag.
Ivy, Brynn, Harper
Grant and Stockton
Chloe, Abby, Molly
Then to the square for games. Stand in line forever for face paint. Next year we are not doing this. Ali thinks she can buy paints and do it herself. Molly walks around with Abby and they do what they want. Good thing she had earned all that money selling cookies just the day before.
Spencer, Molly, Brynn
Then when we are sufficiently roasting it's back to grandma and grandpa's and the pool. Ivy took a nap first and then swam. Everyone else stayed in all day. We got out the volleyball net that we gave my parents for Christmas last year. We also had a water balloon fight.
Brynn, getting a little boost from Justin
Jeff and Justin taught Grant and Stockton all about chicken wars
Abby, Spencer, Stockton, Gavin, Tessa, Chloe, Ben, Ben's friend, Grant
Then poppers, a barbecue, and 4-wheeler rides with dad. Some sparklers. Then the big fireworks that Jeff always gets.
Chloe, Molly, Gavin
Justin, Jeff, Bryce, Christopher
Chloe, Molly, Stockton
Then a rush to jump in the back of the truck and drive over to Fremont for the Plain City fireworks to end the day.
Some of Justin's family ended up coming to our house for a laid-back barbecue, campfire, and other fun stuff. While we were waiting for them to arrive, I taught Molly how to play Settlers of Catan. She caught on great and ended up beating me.
Shucking corn with Grandpa Gene. Playing Wet Head. Talking Grandma into jumping on the tramp. Camille's boys love the Jeep so I always make sure to have it nice and charged for them to drive around the yard.
Ivy, Grandpa, Micah, Riley, Stockton
Molly, Micah, Cameron, Stockton, Brynn, Grandma
Brynn and Riley
S'mores around the campfire. Notice the nice new stones that Justin and Brett built around the firepit. Ivy driving Micah around in the Jeep was funny.
Cameron, Stockton, Riley
Stockton, Grandma, Molly
Micah and Ivy
I am glad that my kids are able to have days like these...carefree and relaxed, just like a childhood should be. Glad I live in this country where we have the freedoms we do. Grateful for the sacrifices that the pioneers made.
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