4th Of July BBQ

Another great Independence Day! We were so pleased to have all but one of the Alexanders present in addition to our friends and neighbors who joined in our fun. We are getting quite good at this.

We set up the slip and slide for the kids. They also had fun with the sidewalk chalk (good thinking Honey).

Spencer and Sarah brought their bocce balls which was such a fun game that we had to go get Susan's set for the kids to play in the backyard.

It was great to see everyone have a good time. I especially like that Jen and Scott brought out the futon they had in the back of their truck. It made for  a comfy lawn seat.

The kids got in on the firework fun. Next year we will have to avoid the swarm that found the firework table and make them on wait on the grass.

I love these!

It was also exceptional nice to see my new niece, Sylvia, for the first time. What a cutie pie!

Thanks Everyone for coming!!! See you next year!!! (and probable before)

4th of July BBQ 2010

We got back from our Utah trip just in time to have our July 4th BBQ. Scott and Jen were passing through so they were able to be here too. Of course we also had Grandpa and Grandma, Eathan, Pop pop and Gramie, Sean and Kelli and family also. I love it when we have a big group for fireworks.
Thanks to my mom the meat was already cooked when we got back so all we really had to do was set out the camping chairs and set up the fireworks. We were going to have a slip-and-slide but just before it was time for everyone to come over we were having a major wind storm and a little rain. I was worried that we would all have to sit in the garage to watch the fireworks or not have them at all. The weather cleared up just in time. In the first picture above you can see the storm that had passed in the background.
The kids each got a turn to help with the fireworks. Poor Katee was sick and didn't feel up to it. She ended up going to the hospital the next day with appendicitis.
The show was not quite as big as last year but it was still a good one. The kids loved it!
Annalyn loved it too, she was so excited. She kept saying ,"OOOO and WOOOW". She sat by Pop pop and played peek-a-boo with the blanket. But we went passed her bedtime and her bedtime doesn't wait.

Fourth of July Fun

Annalyn's First Fourth of July. She looks so patriotic! Thanks Aunt Jessie for the cute onesie.

We had everyone over for a Brisket BBQ and fireworks. Sparklers are always a hit with the kids, though they aren't my favorite.



Matthew and Nic getting the most out of the fun.

My little clan. All the cousins

Gramie and Pop got this cool inflated rocket to launch. Everyone absolutely loved it but we only got to do it once. After the first high, flying, launch it landed on the neighbor's roof. (it came down the next day so it will get used again soon) The looks on their faces as it zoomed upward was so funny.

Everyone waiting for the fireworks. Best seats in the house, no bad views.

Sean, Scott and Sherman played pyros. They had lots of ammunition.

It was a terrific evening that everyone enjoyed. We need to do it again next year.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July 2008

In the morning the Berry Clan invited us for bike decorating and a parade. The kids were cute and had a great time showing off their works. It was a hit, thanks Berry Clan.

Later we had Sean, Kelli and the girls and Steve and Susan over to celebrate with a BBQ and fireworks. The jello salad and the pasta salads were great thanks Susan and Kelli. Here is just some of our fun from the day.

During these small hours I think of those who service in this country's military, passed and present. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifices. These times would not be possible without them. I thank them for keeping us safe so we don't have to think about it, but I do think of them. I also thank a loving Heavenly Father who greets those who have given their all. He has blessed us through them and they are rewarded in His arms. Peace comes through pain, wither it be through our own, through others, or through our Savior's.