4th of July Weekend

If you know me, then you know my favorite holiday is the 4th of July. I love the weather, the traditions, the food, the fireworks, the friends and family and the good times.

We start our holiday a few days early by making some sort of patriotic craft. This year it was dressing up our shirts from last year with glow-in-the-dark fabric paint and decorating bags to hold the many pieces of candy collected at the Murray Parade:

Then we wake up early the day of the parade, purchase doughnuts from Harmons and head out to the spot my dad has saved for us. We love the candy, the doughnuts, the parade entries and I especially love the JEEPS!:

After the parade it is off to Grandma's pool for diving board sports, more food, family and fun. The kids swam for 7 straight hours!:

Now it's off to Murray Park for frisbee, football, playing on the playground, rolling down the hill, reading, eating KFC, snacking on treats, socializing, playing with glow sticks and bracelets and waiting for fireworks to start:

What a great day! We are exhausted but happy by the end of the day that starts at 6am and ends at 11pm. Wow. I can't wait to do it all again next year...

4th of July Fun

The 4th of July is my all time favorite holiday. To start the day off we get up bright and early to pick up Butter Cream Maple Bars from Harmon's. Then it's off to the Murray Parade.


In this collage from top to bottom and left to right:

1. Belle showing us her huge muscles after ripping out 6, yes 6! pull ups on the Marines float. She had the WHOLE crowd cheering and shouting. I was one proud momma. I was the one who taught her how to do pull ups.
2. Jeff and his favorite little punk niece, Belle.
   
3. Belle and Tre hanging from the tree waiting for the parade to start.
4. Braden and Tre being...um, cool. Is that the right word?
5. Belle wrapped up in her blanket. It was a little chilly in the morning.
6. The BOYS: Jer, Braden, Tre and Jason standing by Braden's new truck!
7. The back of Belle's shirt and a picture of those cute patriotic bows I made.

Next up come swimming, diving board contests and a BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa's house:

Tre

Kara (she didn't want a picture, but instead of flipping me the bird...like some people I know, she covered her face then decided to just cheese it)

Jeff and Belle swimming

Tre showing me his injury. He and Braden were playing "light sabers" when Tre fell onto his handle which scratched and bruised his chest.

Typical Jeremy and smiling Jeff

Jeff

Steph and Kara getting a tan

Braden passed out in the hammock chair. He was up at 3 in the morning to save our seats for the parade. What a great guy! I guess we'll let him sleep a little.

Anabelle was the first one in the pool and the last one to get out. She is my little dolphin. I love taking pictures of her when she doesn't know it. That's why there are so many. Such a cutie!!



To end our (looong) day we go to Murray Park for some games, food, laughs and FIREWORKS!:

Kara pulling a funny face

Kara and I (don't mind me...I've been up since 5)

My tech savvy parents

Belle with her eyes "wide open"

Tre, Brook and Belle showing us their "surprised face"

Playing games (Belle, Steph, Brook, Tre and Braden)

My mom trying to tickle Jer so he'll smile (for once) for the camera...it didn't work

Putting on bug spray so no one gets West Nile Disease :)

The family (Kara, Jeff, Jason, Jer, Mom, Roger)

Kara and Jeff

The kids and their glow sticks and bracelets

Jer and I

There you have it. A day in the life of the Smith/Perry/Mounteer/Fuhriman family. I'm glad I have you all to share my favorite holiday with. Thanks!

Craft Time

Today the kids and I did Fourth of July crafts. We made red, white and blue flip flops and firework t-shirts. I spent SO much more money than I would have if I would have just bought already made shirts and flip flops, but the quality time and uniqueness of these items was totally worth it. Here are some pictures of our day.

If you are interested in where the idea came for the shirts, click here. The flip flops were a packaged craft from JoAnns. The flip flops are only $0.50 right now!

Tre and Belle had such a great time doing these crafts, I may have to plan more!