July 4th {2012}

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays.... I think cause Utah does it right over the fourth. I always miss home on the 4th but we're making it work over here too :) We had a big ol' party on the lane this year and we had such a fun time. The kiddos were in heaven cause there was something going on all day long. We had blow up pools, water tables, a bounce house, a bike parade with the whole neighborhood {although Weston and Holden were napping during it},  a bbq, crafts, some injuries, and pretty much pure craziness. 

We had the kiddos paint terra cotta pots so we could roast marshmallows later in the evening. We had paint everywhere and then Weston fell out of the bounce house on a pot... but those were just a few road bumps in the July 4th fun. 

Holden has his way with his first fudgesicle... he loved it.

Lame Livermore moved the fireworks this year {we used to be able to watch them on our street} so we just made our own show. Turns out it was just as much fun and the sparklers were a hit. 

Then when we were cleaning up around 10 pm we remembered we hadn't roasted smores. Why not eat chocolate and marshmallows at 10pm. Our little pots pulled through. Here's to a happy fourth! 

July 4th {2011}

Cooking breakfast in the canyons is one of my greatest childhood summer memories. My mom planned a breakfast with some of my cousins and it was not only so fun to see them, but to be up in the mountains.

A handful of my siblings and cousins...

{L: Cameron, Alan, Emily, Anglea, Brent, Jake}

{R: Nicki, me, Trace}

My grandpa

Weston had the time of his life playing with his cousins, digging in the dirt, climbing the hills, throwing rocks, finding sticks, eating pancakes, etc. etc.

{Lauren and Weston}

Later that night we had a bbq at my moms. Scott got back into town today so Weston was able to play with Luke... he was in heaven. He talks about Luke all the time back home.

Cameron's mom, Margaret, was nice enough to fly in to see Holden get blessed. She was with us on the 4th as well.

My mom decked the kids out in patriotic gear which they loved!

Holden was definitely not enjoying his time in front of the camera.

My mom trying to get a smile out of Holden.... still not working.

Scott and Millie

And onto the sparklers, pops, and fireworks. Livermore basically banned any July 4th fun this year so I was glad we were in Utah. All sorts of fireworks were happening and it was so fun to watch them. Weston loved the sparklers and was slightly entertained by the fireworks. He had more fun running up and down the hill... no big surprise there.

My mom, me, and Emily

Alan started this game with Weston where he would lift up his arm and then tickle his pits {such a strange word}. Weston seriously thought it was so funny and would crack up every time. It was such a fun 4th of July!

July 4th {2010}

My parents live 5 minutes from the mountains.... now you would think I grew up skiing. You have to be cold to ski so that was not my activity of choice. But we did grow up having cookouts in the canyons on the holidays. Skiing vs. cookouts... same thing, right? Anyway, we kicked off the 4th with breakfast in the canyon with my fam.

We all look very serious as I flip the pancakes.

My dad

Al with the newest Neidig, Millie. She is so cute and little!!

Weston's great grandpa, Leon Aiken.

Weston with Brock, his cousin. I starting babysitting Brock when he was Weston's age. Yes, I changed your diaper Brock.

During the day we went to the pool... which I quite enjoyed till I actually got into the pool. I knew the second I got in I would be attacked by my brother, Scott, spending most of my time under the water and trying to gasp for air. And yes, once I got in I was attacked and then coerced into chicken fights. Then I topped it all off by rupturing my ear drum. The good thing is that I'll never forget this July 4th.

That night we went crazy with the fireworks and did sparklers in the front yard with Em and Al. We are party animals...

July 4th {2009}

Check out Weston's excitement as he celebrated his first 4th of July. We hung out around the house and then headed to Nicki's for a BBQ. We watched fireworks from our front porch... a major bonus to living here.

One of my favorite things that Weston does is put his hands up by his face when he eats and sleeps... so pretty much all the time. He is forced to wear little hideous mittens so he doesn't scratch out his eyeballs.