Independence Day

Since the 4th of July was on Sunday this year, we celebrated our Independence Day on the 3rd. The city had a firework show that night on campus, so we decided we should attend. We haven't gone to any firework shows since Joshua was born, and we figured he was old enough to enjoy it. The ward typically meets at a certain place to watch the show together. There is also a stage with music and entertainment leading up to the fireworks. It was a grand time.

The Bishop brought bubbles for the kids to play with. I think the bubbles went on for over an hour. Peter said his arm was a bit tired by the end of it all. Not to mention, he kept blowing bubbles long after our kids were done with them. Such a good entertainer he is.

This blanket is where Jessica spent most of the evening. It's a wonderful quilt Peter's Grandma Datin made for him long ago. I think Jessica was just happy to be outside for so long. She never really got grumpy that night... even though we didn't go home until nearly 10:00. Outside makes all the difference in the world.

The last time we had a family picture taken, Jessica was 2 months old, so we needed an update. I asked my friend to snap this picture just in time. Right after this, it started to pour. Thanks, Janene, for the beautiful shot. And in just one frame at that. :)

Earlier this year, Joshua kept asking for an umbrella of his own. I didn't figure he really needed one, so I let the kids start earning money for the chores they helped me with around the house. They still do so, but after about a month, I figured they'd both worked hard enough, and we got them a couple umbrellas, and the kids pitched in what they could. Emily wanted the Ariel umbrella. It's a good thing we got them, too. Otherwise, we wouldn't have had enough umbrellas for our family.

Josh got the Cars umbrella. Can you see the joy in these kids' faces? They were so happy to have a chance to use these umbrellas. And there's just something magical about sitting in the rain in the dark.... 2 things together at the same time that they would normally not really have the chance to do. Although I have been known to let them run around in the rain from time to time.

And here's Jessica and me. Sitting on the blanket, not doing a good job staying dry. Did I mention it was pouring? This was no drizzle. You can see the drops in the background. How pretty. Not long after this shot, the kids started to get really cold, and Jessie fell asleep sitting up right there, so we got up and left... with no firework show. Oh well. I heard they had the fireworks about half an hour or so after we had left. It was worth it, though. The kids had such a blast and it made the 4th of July far more fun for them.