{Independence Day 2016}

"Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

We were able to celebrate one of my favorite holidays with family and friends in Utah this year!  We have been pretty lucky in being able to be in Utah for the fourth the past few years - I really enjoy the traditions & most of them involve celebrating America with my family!

The festivities started with a girls night at Jana's... Em got to meet Wesley and she dyed my hair for me :) It was so fun to catch up with my bestie! 

Saturday we did a fun family lunch at the Oaks in Ogden Canyon.  Mike and I ate at this restaurant when we were dating ... I LOVE the ambiance - right by the peaceful Ogden River.  

Cal has lucked out with the BEST cousins!

 

This was the view - such a lovely place to eat!

Waiting for our food AND getting story time.  

Favorite!

This was Calvin's face after he tried a pickle... I feel ya dude!

The Wes-mesiter and I enjoying some R&R together.  Gosh I love him.  He's the sweetest and cuddliest little man!

Saturday night we went to the Boyle family reunion at the North Shore Aquatic Center.  This was the first time we got to meet Lola - Julie & Erik's little girl.  Only a month apart, it appears these cousins are going to be great friends!

Wesley did NOT like the water!

Calvin, however, loves it now!  He was like a little fish once he got used to it.  

Getting ready with two little boys is a lot of fun, especially when diapers sag so much that half their little butts hang out their pants!

Wesley is happy despite having to get his nails trimmed!

Sunday's main event was the blessing, which I already posted about.  But it was also nice to catch up with the family home evening group at Bob and Leota's as well.  

After family night we decided to do fireworks at Julie and Erik's house.  The kids had a blast - Cal wasn't super into them but watched a little bit!

Handstand contest!

Best sisters a girl could ask for!

Monday morning we went to a parade in Kaysville.  Calvin had a lot of fun there and his cousins all watched out for him!

Calvin also had a lot of fun meeting Grant and Marie's dogs! He really seems to love animals.

On our way home we stopped at Cove Fort and took a tour to break up the drive.  It was fun to see the fort- I love church history!  Seeing the way the pioneers had to live really makes me grateful for what we have today! 

As you can tell by the picture, Calvin was thrilled... 

He looks extra shady in that last one...

Anyway, it was a great reprieve from the Vegas heat and the daily grind!  We sure love our family and our country!  

Happy 4th of July!