Happy Fourth of July!

The 4th of July was a weird one for us this year. Since it's been so dry, they put a firework ban on most of the counties surrounding us...no big fun firework shows this year! It was strange, because it just doesn't feel like Independence Day without fireworks.

We went to a barbecue at our friends, the Parkers, house. I made these pretzels to take along.
We had a great time there, sitting outside cooking in the heat. The kids used the hoses and got themselves wet while the adults sat in the shade, sweating to death.

We actually really enjoyed ourselves. We met some new people who just moved into the ward called the Butlers who were best friends with my cousin and her husband back in Oregon in dental school before they parted ways and each went to do their residencies in separate parts of the country. It was fun getting to know them and comparing notes on my cousin's family. I think they're going to be great friends to have!

After that, we went home...and sat. No fireworks, no staying up late. It was kind of anti-climactic. Oh well. Guess that's what you have to deal with when you're having a drought.



The day before the Fourth, we held Family Home Evening and talked about why we celebrate Independence Day and how grateful we are for our freedom. We read the story of Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty in the Book of Mormon. And then we played some silly games.

BLIND ARTIST

We all tried our hand at drawing the American flag....with our eyes closed! What do you think? The next Van Gogh?? (By the way, both boys cheated!)

RING THE LIBERTY BELL

We hung this liberty bell from our ceiling and took turns throwing a ball at it to see who could ring it. Guess what? I could...and I was the only one! Here are some goofy pictures of us being silly as we threw the ball. We had a GREAT time!

Here's sweet little Maleah. She had a great time, too, watching the action and chewing the ball. Who said balls are for throwing anyway?
After the fun, we did the best part about Family Home Evening....eat treats! Tonight it was Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake. We tinted the cream blue, and of course had red strawberries and white shortcake. One of our favorite desserts!
HAPPY FOURTH, EVERYONE!