4th of July

We had, in my mind, the perfect holiday. I think holidays should be jam packed with fun and family and food and treats - and that's how our day went.

*Side note - Jared could have done without it all, but was a good sport and played along - and even got the lawn mowed inbetween all the festivities :)

We started out by ditching our kids at the parade route with Nicole (since we were running behind - what a surprise - we pulled the car up to the sidewalk, practically threw the kids out, and took off) and were off the run the Provo Freedom Festival 10k. I must be getting older and further removed from the Provo/BYU thing, b/c we usually see a lot of people we know, but this year saw only a few. Sad. But this is still one of our favorite 4th of July things to do together (well, kind of...it's not like Jared actually runs with me; I'm too slow for him!) Sorry, no pics of the race.

Then it was off to the parade. Nicole always lets us crash at the place they fight for to save; and then we just show up. Thanks!

I love that when Mia smiles now, you can literally see her saying "cheese"

Mia loved watching the parade with her cousins. And after he woke up, Gavin LOVED all the bands!

Then we went home and ALL took LONG naps. And then back to Provo/Mapleton to Nicole and Derrin's for a YUMMY BBQ where Gavin got to taste his first rice krispy treat.

Last, but not least...FIREWORKS!!!

Mia was a little hesitant at first

But we all knew that wouldn't last! She quickly discovered how to step on the "pop-its"

...And then the joy of sparklers :)

There was even a quick little storm that came through. It reminded me of trying to do fireworks almost every year in the rain, in Washington

Last, but not least, we drove to Provo, found a GREAT parking lot on a hill, spread out our blanket, got out our treats, and then watched the Stadium of Fire. It was a great holiday. Hope yours were all great too!