The Fourth of July was on a Monday this year, and because we live in Utah, the celebration was spread out over the whole weekend almost! On Saturday, July 2nd was the Stadium of Fire. We always go to watch the fireworks in a field close by. This year was a little bit different. Aurora was terribly afraid of the loud sounds of the fireworks going on around us and sat with her ears plugged, hiding under the stroller, pretty much from the minute we sat down on the field and long before the big fireworks started.
I felt really bad that she wasn't enjoying herself so we ended up leaving before the big fireworks started.
We got to enjoy a little bit of friend time while we were there though.
Silly Uncle Jared :) We were glad Jimmy and Whitney were able to join us too!
Daddy and Talmage :)
On Sunday, July 3rd, we had a yummy 4th of July barbecue!
We made a fun red, white and blue jello salad.
I got caught snitching some food I was prepping :)
Because Darwin's parents are usually around in the summertime and tend to make delicious food for the holidays (and always, really), this was our first time making a flag cake.
It was fun to make and was really yummy to eat!
It was the first time we made a poke cake!
Silly Rori :)
We attempted to shoot off some of our own fireworks at home that night, with everyone piled onto Mommy's lap. We were only partly successful and the girls only tolerated it for a short while before we had to be done. I love Talmage's wide eyes from the camera flash :)
A fun shot Darwin took of the house after the kids were all in bed asleep.
On Monday, July 4th, we tried our best to get ready and make it to the big parade but we wanted to be late to avoid the loud sounds of the sirens at the beginning. Turns out we were a little slower than we intended to be and only got to see the last 3 minutes of the parade. You win some, you lose some, right? Haha!
Our family on the 4th of July
After the parade we went with our Aussies to a small airplane exhibit at the local airport.
**Funny note: Savannah calls airplanes "R-planes". It's super cute!**
Jared's sister, Sarah, was giving tours of one of them.
Sarah with the crew of kids, minus Aurora (who didn't want to be in the picture) and Talmage (who was asleep in my arms).
The kids taking a tour of the plane:
I think Darwin was the most excited to be inside it though :)
Testing out the guns.
Like a little kid in a candy shop!
It was hot and crowded inside that tiny little plane, so we didn't stay inside it for very long.
The girls didn't want any more pictures. But this one cracks me up :)
This was a bigger plane that we didn't end up touring inside.
We watched this yellow bi-wing fly in. That was fun!
Darwin made us some delicious red, blue and white chocolate popcorn. It didn't last very long!
Baby Talmage on his first 4th of July!
(He's funny when he sits in the Bumbo because he hardly puts his arms down.)
He's a little cutie pants!
After eating our yummy dinner we decided to shoot off the rest of our fireworks before it got too dark outside. That seemed to help the girls ability to enjoy the fireworks a little more. It was a good move on our part :)
Picking out which firework Daddy would shoot off next.
Silly Savannah :)
Daddy lighting off a sparkler.
The girls and Uncle Ryan watching Daddy light up the fireworks out on the street.
Rori was still plugging her ears, but at least she was smiling!
Savannah looks a little concerned. Haha!
These girls love their Uncle Ryan!
Our cute Daddy :)
Talmage was so sleepy and fell asleep in my arms while we were watching the fireworks.
Super Savy!
Some fireworks down the street from our house.
It was fun to celebrate our country's independence all weekend long, even if the girls didn't love the fireworks this year. There's always next year, right? :)
DARWIN is on his 12th year of teaching, currently at Springville High School teaching astronomy, geology, environmental science, and physics. He also teaches physics at UVU for a 7 week STEM summer school program for junior high students. He also teaches teenagers in our church ward. He's super busy, but still makes time to be an awesome dad and husband.
