4th of July

I love the 4th of July. What a great holiday. Our ward has a couple of fun traditions ... a kids parade - complete with decorated bikes, scooters and strollers - that goes through the neighborhood while older ward members cheer from the sidelines and then ends at the church where we have an outdoor breakfast and program.It's such a fun morning. The festivities start the night before with bike decorating and then the kids are up at the crack of dawn ready to ride in the parade. Truth be told, it ends up being more of a race to the church than a slow parade but the kids have fun.

The food is always a full-blown hot breakfast (pancakes, french toast with fruit and whipped cream :), bacon ... "nummy" as my sister would say). Part of the program this year was a rousing number by the ward choir (including yours truly) with a little bit of choreography added at the last minute. You know I was lovin' that! :}

That night, we had another tradition (for a few years running, anyway) of a bbq on our front lawn with 20 or so friends and neighbors and then fireworks at night. This year, the Steenblik's brought a snowcone machine -- nothing says a good time like a sticky child on a sugar high!(This is Elle's friend, Luke. Wouldn't their children have amazing eyes??) Such a great day. And only a few more weeks to celebrate again on the 24th!