Independence Day!

It was a busy 4th this year. To start off, the night of the 3rd, Ryan was gone helping prepare for the big scout pancake breakfast at the church for the 4th. Meanwhile, I was home watching the kids, watering the lawn, and baking cookies to sell at the breakfast fundraiser. When I finally got the kids to bed, Ryan came home with a box of sausage that needed to be prepared for breakfast the next day...so I went to bed while he stayed up late frying piggies (which were kept warm in the crock pot all night).

So, on the morning of the 4th, of course Ryan was gone again to supervise the breakfast at the church. I got up early to prepare Katelins birthday cake, and get the kids ready to go to the breakfast which started at 8 am. At 8:45, I called Ryan to inform him that we had not left yet, and to make sure there would still be food for us. Luckily, there was so the kids didnt have to go hungry. After breakfast, the kids played some games and we went back home.

Breakfast time. Thank goodness for spare hands to cut up pancakes when your hubby is busy!

Alissa trying her hand at the beanbag toss. She batted her eyes at someone later and cheated to get some candy. What a charmer.

Madi's turn.
Remember these parachutes in school? Ryan rented one from the library. Its not just for books anymore! This is the one he was helping out with toward the end.

Run Alissa...Run!

After we came home, I again went to work in the kitchen to finish Katelins cake; and make cornbread for a potluck with Ryans boss later. We had lunch, did some birthday partying, and then it was off to the bosses house for dinner at 4:00. After dinner, we headed out to see fireworks with our friends, and ended the night at their house setting off the "Utah fireworks" (small and less than thrilling) as Ryan called it, that Katelin got for her birthday.

When the fireworks started...Zack wasnt so sure.

Safer in Daddy's arms, everyone having fun.

At one point, Ryan was telling our little pyro. that the fireworks were just like a candle that should be blown out. Here is the attempted blowing!

Just chillin'. Ohhh...Ahhh...

The gang being entertained by the private stash back at the house.

Only responsible adults should handle the explosives...Hee, hee, hee.

The birthday girl got to hold the "sparkler tree" at the end.

We finally stopped at 11:30 pm, when we got home and crashed hard! Happy 4th!