4th of JULY

We had a really great 4th of July this year. It was a beautiful day, and full of fun activities, good food, and family.

We started the morning out bright and early with Grandma Shan, Ethan, Harper, and Jane running the 1 mile fun run.


Jane


Harper and Ethan


Ethan on a dead sprint trying to catch up with Harper.


The mighty runners. Shea, Beth, Mindi, Landry, and Susan had already finished the 5K run, Beth took 2nd.


Then we headed to Grandma Patsy's for the annual 4th of July breakfast. This is all the grandkids on the Redd side in their matching outfits.


Then it was off to the parade to get some candy.


The kids watching as the National Guard came by. This unit, the 118th Sappers, was deployed 3 days after on July 6th to Afghanistan. We thank them for their service, and may God be with them.


We had a group of F-15's flyover the parade twice. It was so awesome.


Javan's little brother Daniel rode on the Big 4.


Ryan's bag never had candy in it for long. As soon as anyone put a piece in his bag for him he took it out and ate it. He had a great time.


After the parade we headed up to Drywash for some canoe riding,


and some swimming.


Then on to a delicious cook-out at Grandma Patsy's. Jonah was really enjoying his ice cream, just relaxing on the concrete.


Two cute girls, Ally and Ella.


Ryan and Kellyn checking out the frog, trying to figure out why it won't hop away.


Then we headed down to Redd Mechanical for more festivities. Haven took the kids for a ride on the palate dolly.


Then we had a pinata break. Lincoln was really getting after it while all the kids waited for their turn.


Ally with her bag of candy from the pinata. She cleaned house.


We have prime time seats for the fireworks right there at the shop. But Ryan wasn't sure he liked them at first. He kept burying his head in Grandpa's shoulder.


Ethan picked a good spot to watch fireworks, right on top of the Rhino.


The Grand Finale. Blanding has quite the fireworks display, and it seems to be getting better every year.



We had a great day. The kids were so worn out they fell asleep in the Rhino on the drive home. We're so thankful for our freedoms and for the servicemen that are fighting for us so that we might keep them. God bless them!