Happy 4th!

This is the girls eagerly awaiting the parade to start. McKenna came prepared for a lot of candy, she brought her back pack. I wouldn't want her to injure her back hauling all that candy home in a regular bag.

This is the position Brock would assume anytime fireworks went off. John was so sweet, he was holding Brock through the fireworks. Brock refused to look up so John would position his own body so Brock would be able so see them even though it partially obstructed his own view.

I don't know what it is about the fourth of July but I always get so homesick. I think it's because we go to the parade and watch all of these families gather to watch it together, grandma's, grandpa's, cousins, aunts and uncles. I always leave a little sad. I was so excited this year for the fourth, we had big plans, the parade, we bought a new pool for the kids and a fire pit and of course fireworks but the night before it started raining and didn't stop until after the parade, it just put a damper on it. A family in our ward threw a party that afternoon, I really enjoyed it, we have made a lot of friends in our ward and I'm feeling more and more comfortable at ward parties. That night we went to watch fireworks at another ward members house. It was definitely the highlight of my day. The view was awesome. The fireworks shot off right over top of us, you could feel the vibration of the sound. I would watch my pant leg shake with the booms. I felt like a kid again, carefree and completely content. Once again we found ourselves surrounded by friends. It seemed so obvious to us on this particular holiday what a big role our ward has played in our lives. I wouldn't say they are replacing our family but becoming another part of our family. So here are three things I'm thankful for on this holiday, FREEDOM!!! (just imagine Mel Gibson saying that with his face painted blue riding on the back of a horse.) I'm thankful for my family at home and my ward family here.