Happy Fourth of July.... which means we're only 4 months from Halloween!

The 4th of July. A family favorite. We've been celebrating it the same for years. It always starts with a parade. Well actually, since living in UT it begins with a VERY early breakfast at village inn and then we walk to our usual spot on the parade route (big thanks to Nanna and Lori for always getting our awesome spot saved days in advance!!).

 

Everyone was so excited to catch their buckets of candy at the parade...well except Knox. He didn't seem too impressed. Give it another year or so and he'll be running around hollerin' for candy too.

 

Tessa loves any opportunity to gobble candy. Thus the cavity in her mouth that needs filling. A sweet tooth has been inherited from her Dad who inherited from Nanna. :) Nanna caught her fair share of candy too!

 

 Oh I love holidays.... and this sweet baby boy, who I seriously can't get enough of.

 

After the parade we headed to Nanna's house for a pool party and BBQ. Our cousins came along for the fun. Tessa and Crew are the bestest of friends. Soul mates. Seriously. I've never seen two kids play the way they do.

 

Bruin and Brans spent most of the afternoon perfecting their silly pool tricks... like...

 

 front flips...

 

 and belly flops

   

And Cason had to join in too. This was taken mid twist!

 

The men at the grill. My sister in law's boyfriend (who we all totally love!) made some spectacular burgers. We might have to have him cook for all our family gatherings.

 

This pic just makes me laugh because it is sooo typical Tessa right now.

 

After hours of swimming and a yummy dinner we enjoyed dessert. SNOW CONES! The perfect dessert for a hot day!

 

 So nice when you make you're own cuz you can be a little heavy handed with the syrup! MMMmmmmmmm. Tigers Blood heaven.

 

 We ended the night with our own fireworks show. This year Ty was allowed to be involved. Dad gave him some instruction.

 

 Then Ty got to light some himself (heaven help us all)

 

I felt like running too.

 

 He felt pretty proud of himself.

 

 It was a happy fourth of July. Full of fun, food and making memories!

 

 Now the countdown to Halloween begins!! Ok so there are a few more fun things to come before then, but really I am starting to feel the excitement of the coming holidays!! Am I alone in this?