July 4 Fun

We began our day with the tradition of ringing the American Legion bell at 7am.

Then a special breakfast

Games at the park include 3 legged race, sack race, egg toss, money in the hay and local talent show.  This year Dane sang with 2 of his friends and did a great job.

 We forgot to take pictures of the BBQ and water fight at our house.  More good food, friends, and fun.  We headed off to Main St. for the parade.  All 3 boys were in it this year so it was just Doodle collecting candy.

That night we had more family fun at the stadium with twister, limbo, hula hoops, frisbee, and birthday cake for America

Our volunteer fire fighters provide the fireworks.  It began with a solemn 19 gun salute in memory of the firefighters who recently lost their lives fighting wildfires in Arizona followed by a moment of silence.

Grateful:

494 We have a country worth celebrating.

495 I live in a small town that puts together an amazing holiday filled with family fun.

496 My baby girl turned 7.  She is an amazing, beautiful, talented, thoughtful daughter and is a joy to me daily.

497 She received her pink cowgirl boots.

498 We have an annual BBQ at our house and there are always new friends to invite and old friends to enjoy.  Holidays are a great excuse for building relationships and creating special memories

Pageant this year

 Dane played the lead part of Robert and did a great job.

 Dane with two of the Marys.  On the left is cousin Anna but Dane go put with Layne who was proposed to during one of the scenes of dress rehearsal.

 We invited family to come and be in the pageant as part of the heavenly family to welcome Robert and Mary into heaven.

 The is the night they got to watch the pageant.  Lots of little people that fell asleep but still had a good time.

 We were warriors, pioneers, Nephites, Ike was a Henshaw son and Mr. O got to be angel Moroni on top of the temple.

 At the foot of the hill are 14,000 chairs.  We don't fill them every night but this night was a good one.  It is an amazing production for our small community.

 Grateful for buggies and sleeping cousins.

 The girls initiated a tea party and the boys joined in but almost were kicked out because of their bad manners.  They kept snitching the food.

 Loving cousin time.  Thank you to the Maryland cousins who came so far and spent time at our house.

Grateful:
486 Mormon miracles still happen today.
487 pictures that remind us of all the fun we had and how cute everyone is.
488 Reminder.  This year we forgot to make an effort to have spiritual experiences.  We went through the motions and did our parts but didn't pray for missionary opportunities or understanding of the parts we were portraying.  I feel like we missed out on the most important part.  By the testimonies shared at the closing social I came away determined to make more of our experiences, to be more receptive to the quiet blessings that are ready and waiting if we will just make time to tune into the spirit and allow it to teach us and use us to bless others.
489  This year we enjoyed making special thank yous for the mom directors with some dear friends.
490  The last night there was a problem with the propane on center stage and when the time came for the fire balls in the destruction scene Mr. O laid over the stage to fix it when it went off with a huge dangerous fire ball.  He had both Ike and Sim next to him.  He only remember finding himself on his back on the other side of his sons.  He sat up and rubbed out the flames on his hair.  No one was injured.  We used the singed hair as an excuse to cute his hair short.  There were plenty of people that were very concerned but all's well that ends well.
491  I believe in angels.  I believe that they help us and watch over us.  I believe that our family has the blessing of guardian angels that allow us regular reminders that they are on duty.  If we didn't have so many close calls and miracles we might forget who is watching over us and who we owe our gratitude and safety.
492 I have a loving Heavenly Father that answers my daily prayers for safety and protection.
493 All these great cousins enjoy one another and are building lasting relationships even when we don't get to live near one another.