Fourth of July in
Blanding is one of the biggest to
do's of the year; and
Blanding really does do it up right. We love the 4
th, they have a great parade, fun booths and carnival rides, awesome fireworks which are shot off literally right overhead, and quite a few other attractions that make this one of our favorite times of the year. This year Russell's brother came to visit so we had more of a week long celebration and had a great week.
We had a family dinner every night, along with "softball practice" for the mid-night madness. We played lots of games, and had some good conversation, and just enjoyed being together. My mom came down for the weekend as well and was so much help, not too mention the boys loved having her here. (She told them she'd come back when the baby was born, so every day the boys ask me if the baby is coming today so Grandma Kathleen can come back and visit. )
We had a pretty traditional day, Russell's family put in a team for the mid-night madness softball tournament and took 5
th place. The next morning we had the parade, booths, and dinner,
concert in the park, and fireworks. As the kids get older we do more and more fireworks on our own and the boys love them. This year we had smoke bombs, snaps, sparklers, light and noise spinners, etc.
A few days after the 4
th our National Guard unit was being deployed; it really made me remember what our
Independence is about. Freedom is not free; and I am truly grateful for the families who make the sacrifice to keep our freedom and rights available to us.
Our 24th of July celebration is held in Monticello every year. We usually go up for at least part of it. This year we went to the parade, and then to the park to look at the booths and do lunch, after we went swimming at their new pool. We had a great time. 
The boys waiting for the parade to start. We got there a little late so the sidewalks were really full. After the parade started they mostly stood in the gutter and road to wave at the floats and collect pockets and pockets full of candy. 
At the park the kids played at on the toys. Evan going down the "baby" slide. 
As soon as Evan saw the toys he ran over and climbed up the monkey bars and let go of the side. He quickly figured out he couldn't hold his weight for very long and fell onto the wood chips on the ground. Luckily he was fine, but he sure milked it for quite a while. Russ and I were really surprised because he's never done the monkey bars before and usually he's not that daring. 
They also had some blow up toys the kids could play on this year. Wyatt had a blast and went over and over. 
Evan is about to go down the slide after climbing up the rope
Wyatt running through the punching bags
I love this face!
Monticello has an old jail cell that is outside at their park. The kids liked pretending to be locked up. 
They made their entrance into the room with the "graduation music" in the background. There have been a few situations I emotionally lose it being as pregnant as I am; and this was one of them. I felt so silly sitting in the front row crying as my first baby walked to his seat in the ceremony. 
As you can see he was very proud. He was so excited that the day was all about him. 
For his program, they went through each month of the school year and presented something that they learned, they also sang their favorite song before receiving their diploma.
Evan receiving his diploma. This is also his teacher Mrs. Lee; Thanks so much for being such a great teacher this year.
Evan with his diploma. 
Evan and his friend 
