Happy 4th of July

So the results are in, we are not going to be having a 4th of July baby this year. However, we had a wonderful time celebrating our country's independence with the family and some great friends. :)  Jim got to enjoy a day off in the middle of the week (always a little weird, but wonderful all in the same).  

First up that day we met up with Jim's Dad and our friend's the Cunninghams for the Roseville 4th of July Parade.  It was so much fun and the weather was perfect, especially in the shade. 

Here are the kids waiting for the parade to start and having some snack.  The Cunninghams had some leftover pancakes that our kids were enjoying. :)

 

Me and my beautiful prego buddy, Bethany.  Don't you just love how we coordinated our colors.  This was a fun surprise. :)

 The men catching up before the festivities began in their red, white and blue too.

 Our family at the event, we almost got everyone to smile.

The kids watching as the parade began, they were all so excited!  Especially, when they found out they would get candy.

The parade even included this cool bull.

It also included this neat green guy.  Best part of the parade for the kids- GETTING CANDY!  You can kind of make it out in this picture, but they are holding a red paper bag which they could put all their candy in.  Got this idea from our regular parade buds the Moons, who couldn't be with us this year.  We missed you guys!

After the parade we headed to lunch with Jim's Dad at Taco Bell, then back to our house where he shared some fun gifts with the kids from his recent trip to Yellowstone.

That evening we went to our friends Jared and Ashley Campbell's house for a fun 4th of July party that included some delicious food, a fantastic pool, amazing fellowship, and last but not least awesome fireworks.  Here are Jim and the kids having a great time in the pool.

 

They had this cool inflatable water slide.  The kids all loved it!

 

Then here we are at night (we started before it got dark so that we wouldn't all need to be out extra late with the kiddos.  Here is Travis lightening Evan's first ever sparkler. :)

 He was super excited.  All the kids were!

 

Here he is with a smile, but it is hidden a bit behind the smoke.

 

The gang watching some of the bigger fireworks from a safe distance.

 

Then of course we can't forget Evie and her sparkler debut.  She had the best time as well.

It was a little crazy to see your kids hold fire, but everyone was very safe and all the parents were on high alert! :)

To be able to get a little bit of real firework perspective and do some when it was actually dark, we take a quick intermission.  Ashley made all the kids popcorn and then they watch "Little Einsteins."  They were loving life!  Especially my kiddos. :)  From left to right: Evie, Evan, Claire, Ellie, Gavin and Savannah in the front.

For the evening finale, Evan at night with a sparkler.  So cool!

And our family, wishing you all a wonderful holiday too!  Happy 4th!