I’ve decided to call it that from now on, not just the 4th of July. Our stake had a breakfast in the morning, and had a young Marine speak about different characteristics of “heroes” and also made the point that sometimes these days the meaning of the holiday can be lost when we refer to it as “the 4th of July.” He said that’s just a date on the calendar. But it is Independence Day.

Anyway, we had a nice day.

Kaia at the breakfast. Little stinker was laying on Mark’s shoulder, but as soon as she sensed the camera she was wide awake.

strollin’ to the Arvada city Independence Day “festival.” I love that they’re both holding their pinwheels and B had to have his sunglasses on.

Yum, giant hamburger

Impressive climbing

down the big slide

We mentioned getting his face painted and it was all he talked about after that. We couldn’t believe he sat still for it! After changing his mind on the design several times during the long wait, he settled on this:

He was very proud.

This is the best I could get of them together.

Then it got windy and icky, so we went home. Luckily we only lived a block away.

A few hours later it was finally dark enough for the fireworks. We went out to the grass behind our house and had an excellent view.

Britton really liked them this year. He kept saying "Bam" after each one. That got old quick!Even the little miss liked them. She was very interested in the lights, and wasn't scared by the sound.

Then this happened:Kaia even laid her head back on me!And Britton sat still for a minute.Shortly after this Miss Kaia fell asleep. She didn't even stir during the finale that was super loud.

They were quite pretty and the view was spectacular. We felt very patriotic =)