4th of July

It's our family's tradition to celebrate the 4th of July at my

sister's house in Huntsville, Utah.

We always have a wonderful time there and

look forward to it every year.

This year my sister-in-law came from Texas with her three kids,

and my parents came up too.

Here are all the cousins at the parade.

We pretty much do the same things every year.

And that's the way I like it.

Lots of playing and eating and being together.

Here's Pops, Brian, Noah and Jared firing the potato cannon.

Here's Milo's first smore.
He demolished it.

I think Chloe was pretty excited for the fireworks show...

Lillie and cousin Ady watching the fireworks...

Huntsville town parade. We took a break this year and decided
to watch the parade instead of being in it.
The kids loved catching all the candy.
Here are Noah and cousin Jared...
Lillie enjoying the parade...


We pile the kids on and ride this old 4-wheeler non-stop.

My sister's house backs to Pineview Resevoir.

It's so beautiful.

All the girl cousins...

Brian and Milo on the pocket rocket.

Noah's in the background on the 4-wheeler.

We seriously just play the whole time.

Well, at least when we're not eating.

Such a good time.

Of course, it's all fun and games until your dog gets lost.
We took Princess up with us to enjoy the mountain air. She was

tied to a fence post, but when the first big boom from the firework

show went off, she broke out of her collar and took off.
Poor thing was scared to death. The next couple of days were

filled with lots of tears and prayers and hours of searching.

We talked to neighbors and posted 'Lost Dog' signs.

But when Monday evening came, we had to leave without her.

I really didn't think we'd see her again...

Today my sister called the pound for the third time.

Princess was there.

My dad drove back up to Huntsville to pick her up

and took her home. My parents surprised us with her.

Oh happy day!

She sure is a pain in the neck, but she's part of the family.

We're glad she's home.

Thanks again Muppy and Pops!
And thanks to my sister Erinn for having us.

We had such a great time!

She is a great hostess and now has piles of dirty sheets and towels to prove it!