4th of July Fun

What a whirlwind week we've had full of family fun! "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up." (movie quote, anyone?)  We had a little mini family reunion with my Idaho/Utah siblings at Darin's parents house in Driggs. It was wonderful to be with them and to take a break from life's chaos. Monday and Tuesday were full days of packing and food prep, as well as taking care of my calling so it wasn't looming over me. When Darin got home on Tuesday we loaded the truck and headed to Driggs, followed shortly by Dan, Jess, & Eli. We set up bedrooms and tents and then the Keiths & Nielsens arrived and did the same. It was dark by the time we finished so we just enjoyed each others company and stayed up way later than was wise for our morning plans. We got up at the crack of dawn and headed into town to check out the hot air balloon rally. I warn you, I took over a 1000 photos this week and the next few posts will be full of them!

This man is my favorite. :)

In the car, Naiya told us the page in this library book (The Teacher from the Black Lagoon) made her so happy! She was too cute with how happy she was about it. So random.

Watching the balloons inflate.

Did I mention it was 6am? Crazy early for me. I did put makeup on, but didn't bother with my hair, hence the hat.

Cute little Bruderer's.

And they're off! This balloon was my favorite b/c of the happy colors.

View of the Tetons from the fairgrounds.

Sawyer kept telling us "Bloon, bloon!"

 After the balloons, we headed to Victor for the 4th of July parade, then home to nap the afternoon away. The kids spent the day running around the property and playing to their hearts content.That evening we bathed the kids then headed outside to watch the menfolk do some fireworks.

Sweet Sawyer. This is one cute boy!

And this one too (Ivan)!

And Dawson. As you can see, I have a lot of cute blond nephews. These 2 cousins look more like brothers.

These two were best buds this night, lots of wrestling!

Miss Mackenzie with her littlest brother.

Story time with Daddy (Tyler).

Finally dark, time to break out the sparklers.

Sparklers, with pizzazz!

It's a sparkler. Whoop-a-dee-do.

Twirling the glow sticks.

The boys managed not to get burned or start any fires, so I call that success.