July 4th

We had such a fun time celebrating the 4th of July this year. We woke up early to attend our church 4th of July breakfast and bike rodeo, then we headed home to clean up and make lots of food. Later in the afternoon it was time for our annual neighborhood 4th of July parade, and then we had a bbq with Grandma & Grandpa Kidd, Grandma & Grandpa Stringham, the Mendnehalls, Brian and the kids, the Dillons, the Wiggins, and even Jason's cousin from Scotland was here visiting. After eating way too much, we headed down to the cul-de-sac for our crazy fun fireworks show. I love that we have such fun traditions to look forward to each year.

This year Ethan was able to participate in the flag ceremony. Just love these boys in their scout uniforms.

The kids always look forward to decorating their bikes for the bike rodeo. This year there were a lot more kids than in the past. Craaazzzy! I felt like I was risking my life just to jump in to snap a few pictures.

Ethan riding a friend's little bike. It was quite hilarious.

David, of course, loved the little obstical course some of the young men put up. It was a highlight for most of the kids.

Annual neighborhood bike parade! This year it was fun to have Jenna and Catie join us... and just look at that bright blue sky. Wowzers. Don't often see that around here on the fourth.

Some girl time in the backyard on the trampoline.

Holy cow! Cute. CUTE.

Little Matthew out watching all the kids on during the bike parade.

Loved having Jason's cousin, Kenneth, visiting from Scotland.

Finally... time for FIREWORKS. We never can wait until it's completely dark around here. All of the neighbors are already gathering around lighting things off pretty early. We like to call it our pre fireworks show and it lasts just as long as the main show. All those boys are probably blowing things up for about five hours or more. It seems to never get old to them. Ethan and Malcolm are now always in the thick of things.

The Mendenhall boys all snuggled up ready for the show.

Our neighbor, John, is probably one of the biggest kids out there!