Independence Day

Utah Trip 2012

Dad and Sandy were all kinds of ready with water fun when came to stay. Which means the kids were all kinds of happy. We had a nice BBQ on July 3 with my sister and her kids, brother's family, Brandon and Ranell's family, Camille and her kids, and Kenzie. The only not great thing about it was that there was just not enough time. It's so hard to only see these people once a year at most and try to have a meaningful visit with everyone in a couple of hours. If anyone has that figured out, please pass it along. (Earlier that day we went to see my dad's parents and ate a "cafe" like Tessa suggested to her grandparents we do. I had the biggest scone on the planet, I think.)

Well, here's some pictures of the BBQ water fun:

Cole is way too skinny. I have to roll his 2T swim bottoms over just to get them to mostly stay on his bum while he plays in the water. 

 Here is my dad with the two babies:

 Yay for babies! Introducing little Jolynn who was born in April to Jon and Chelsy. She's a sweet one. It's so fun to have kids so close to the same age, and I look forward to them playing together and expending cuteness all around.
That big line down Dad's chest would be his bypass surgery scar. Dad had another heart attack a few months back and scared us all sufficiently. He's working on getting healthier because we're giving him no other choice.

 I could smooch their cheeks all day.

 Here's Aunt Mandy getting baby bonding time in:

While most everyone else went to go watch a movie (or home to put littlies to bed), Mandy and I stayed outside to enjoy the cool air and watch the moon rise up over the mountains. So lovely.

Leaving Paige at home to nap (while Jake finished up some work stuff), Sandy, Dad, Tessa, Cole, and I headed over to the Kaysville Fourth of July parade the next morning. Dad wore a Canada hat. Of course.

Here Tessa is in place for some prime candy catching. We were at the very end of the parade, so a few of the floats emptied what they could in our direction. Oh, how I love parade taffy. 

 Tessa danced and cheered with all the dance and cheer teams, and Cole led the high school band with a stick while jumping up and down --which was awesome.
And here is a fabulous picture of Paigey Lou with Grandpa R.

Can I get an "Awwwwwwwwww"?
That night we (along with Dad and Sandy) met up with my siblings and kids and Brandon with his kids, Capri and Collin, in Brigham City for the fireworks. They always put on a great show. Before it was time for the fireworks, Tessa and Kaeley went around handing out plastic beaded necklaces that we'd gotten loads of at the parade. Tessa was intent on giving them out and making kids happy who didn't have one. Love her generosity.