Fourth of July

I LOVE the Fourth of July. It's always been one of my favorite holidays. I haven't been home for a Fourth of July in ages. I was brave (or stupid?) but decided to drive home with the kids (by myself--Brent had to work). We had SOOO much fun! We did everything I used to do growing up. There is a local Fourth of July celebration including races for the kids, tons of booths, a bounce house, a "train ride" (a four wheeler towing cars), a parade...the list can go on forever. Ashton and Jackson had a great time. Both of my sisters and their kids came, and all the cousins played so well together. After the parade, we took the kids swimming to Heise Hot Springs. It was a blast! Jackson had so much fun, but crossed the "yellow line" and got into some deep water...and the lifeguard had to jump in (I guess his swimming lessons are contributing to his boldness!) That night, the family went to the Idaho Falls Freedom Celebration (a HUGE firework display). I opted not to take the kids because they were so tired, and I'm really glad I didn't because 10 minutes after Nana and Papa left, Jackson said, "Mom, you need to put me to sleep. I'm so tired!" We shot off fireworks the next night, and Jackson LOVED them! We had such a great trip.

Ashton watching the parade.
Jackson watching the parade. We got SACKS of candy!
On Sunday, Jess blessed his baby, Bryce. We went to Sheena's parents' home afterward for lunch. Madi and Jackson are just 3 months apart. So cute!

Sheena's parents had a swing. As you can see, Jackson LOVED it. A big thanks to Darin for being a surrogate father. He took such great care of Jackson and Ashton. He helped Jackson on the swing, and took the kids to see the pigs Sheena's sisters were raising for 4-H.

Jess, baby Bryce, Megan and Ashton.

We took the kids to the zoo. I LOVE the Idaho Falls Zoo. It's so nice and shady.

The gang at the tiger exhibit.

Jackson and Kolton.

The kids were so excited. The leopard had kittens and the kids were mesmorized by them!

Madi and Jackson at the Children's Zoo.

Feeding the ducks.

Ashton playing with Nana.

Riding the four-wheeler.

Darin was so great! He was the only person (aside from myself) that Ashton would go to. He took her on her first four-wheeler ride! He also was a lifesaver at family pictures. He held Ashton and walked around with her. Thanks, Darin!

Jackson and Ethan were hilarious. They had on these helmets and were playing "football". Talk about cracking me up! They would shout, "Here come the football players" and run from one end of the room to the other. Heaven help me! Football season is only 2 months away...and my child is already indoctrinated!

Eating yummy spaghetti. MMMM.

Ashton loved hers, too.

Yeah, you really need a "bath" after spaghetti.

I left really early to get home (the kids do better if they sleep part of the time)-and Jackson cried for 20 miles from Nana and Papa's house...he DID NOT want to leave his Nana, Papa, the tractor and the cousins.