Summer Days

For this 4th of July, we headed up to Montana to see my family. We weren't expecting to see them two weekends in a row! But, that's how it ended up with going to my grandfather's funeral the week before. It's been a really long time since we went up to Bigfork for the 4th. So, it was a lot of fun! We left on Friday night, but didn't get in until about 9:30. So, we just sat around and talked for a little while. Saturday, we kicked off the 4th by heading over to the church for the ward breakfast and flag salute. Then we headed over towards the Bigfork Bay for the parade. My parents have scoped out the perfect spot to watch the parade last year, so we made sure to get there early enough to get the same spot this year. I think it's one of the only shaded spots on that road. Everyone was jealous that we had shade! The little nephews just loved watching the parade. They all brought their grocery bags, and practically filled them full by the end. You know it's a small town parade when they throw out full sized candy bars, popsicles, balls, water and lots and lots of candy! It was great! After the parade, we went over to my parents for a yummy bbq, played out side, and jumped on the tramp. We then headed over to the Bishop's house, who are good friends with my parents, and he took us out boating. We were able to watch Derik and Sid wakeboard, which was way cool to watch! Then we hooked the three person tube behind the boat, and we all had a blast! He pulled me, my sister, R.J., and Sid's friend Carrie behind first. I still have a bruise on my arm from flying off the tube! I think he even pulled Jamie, Baden, and Sid on it even faster then he did to us girls! They sure caught some air! They were flying all over the place! I wish I got some pics of it, but I was afraid my camera might get dropped in the water because there were so many people on that boat!

Everyone in our shady little spot at the parade.

The boys.

Jamie made a new friend, Wyatt absolutely adores him!

Preston and Trenton looking out at the bay before the parade.

Cute lil' Wade. He has an addicting giggle!

My mom and dad. I love this picture of them!

The girls.

Troy cracking us up. This is the best I could get out of him...he was a little bitter about having to stay in his stroller. He's such a funny little guy!

The boys lined up, ready to get their candy. I think Jamie was just as excited as they were!

The nephews showing off their candy after the parade.

Jamie on dad's cat-walk.

That night dad shot off his cannon a few times. His friend was able to hear it three miles away! Then my brothers put on a great fireworks show for us all to see. They bought some really cool ones that lit off pretty big! It was so cool to watch. Sunday we all went to church, but the ward only held sacrament meeting. 4th of July weekend is always the biggest church meeting in Bigfork because there are a lot of Canadians that come down to play on the lakes. They had a record of 1,308 people in the church for sacrament meeting! It took 45 minutes to pass the sacrament, and there were people packed in the hallways, as well as overflowed in the relief society and primary rooms! It was crazy! That night, we all had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. I've missed that so much, it's one of my favorite things in life!

Dad's getting ready to light off his cannon! Parker was running around in his superman pajamas...so hilarious!

Jamie with all 6 nephews.

It was a perfec perfect night for roasting marshmallows and hotdogs!

Me, mom, dad, Parker and Wyatt in front of the firepit.

Grandpa taking the boys out on a little ride around the house.

Monday the boys played the xbox for hours on end, while the girls hung out at Amy's and talked. That evening, we headed to the airport to catch our 9:00 flight, but found out it wasn't leaving until 1:00 a.m.! Long story short, we ended up leaving the airport at 2:15 a.m. and didn't get home until 4:30 a.m. Jamie then had to wake up 2 hours later to be at work at 7:00 in the morning. It took a while to recover from the lack of sleep, but I think we're finally back on schedule! We had a great 4th of July though! It was a blast!

Below are videos of Dad shooting off the cannon, and R.J. shooting an artillery shell under the water. This goes to show just how big of "pyros" my family are!