July Fun

We've had a great summer so far. So great in fact, that I just haven't really wanted to blog. I've been outside having fun with the kids. :)
We had a great 4th of July with Andy's family. We celebrated Karen and Conrad's birthdays with lots of swimming, games, and lots of yummy food. Halle and Payton are getting more brave and can now jump off the pier all by themselves. The kids came out of the water only to eat and sleep. :) Thank goodness for sunscreen is all I can say.
The family was also kind enough to help us unload our truck. Conveniently it arrived the same day everyone else did. :) It was extremely hot to say the least and we are so grateful to them, especially all the little ones who were such big helpers. It actually didn't take too long and thanks to dads excellent packing skills, it all fit in the garage nicely.
We had 'real' fireworks, thanks to several of the neighbors. We would hear them start to "boom" and we'd all run outside in excitement and watch. Then we'd think they were done and would go back inside just to hear "boom" again! I think we did that 3 or 4 times. :) Grandma Gold also bought glow sticks for all the kids which was a lot of fun.
We then headed to southern Utah for some more celebrating.

Grandpa Huntsman is turning 100 this September so we had a float for him that all the grand kids road on. Don't know why I don't have a picture of it!!! yikes. We were at the first of the parade so we all jumped off and were able to watch the rest. The kids had their bags and anxiously waited for all the candy to be thrown. We had fun until some dumb girl threw a water balloon at Halle's face. Uh, hello! She survived though. :)

I love the 24th because we get to see all our family and friends. Two of my closest friend came down for the weekend and it was so fun to stay up late catching up and playing games. We even ran the fun run together. (Every year it's another miracle that the ambulance doesn't bring us in.) :) This is my awesome cuz/sis/friend Shannon. Kindy, why didn't we take a picture!! So glad you came!

We did our own little fireworks in the back yard, luckily the kids are easily impressed.

Halle loves the races. I was happy that this year she ran instead of just wave and smile at everyone. :) Payton doesn't like to race but we had fun cheering everyone on.

Halle after her race.

Of course the weekend would be complete without the rodeo. The kids loved it, especially since we got to go with our cousins. We finally convinced the kids to go out and try the chase where they try to catch some puppies and chickens. They didn't catch one but it was and adventure trying.

Luckily the kids played so hard each day that they easily went to bed and us grown-ups were able to relax and play games all night. Even if there was some cheating going on. You know who you are!