4th of July

We started our festivities for the 4th of July by waking the children up in the middle of the night.

It wasn't really the middle of the night, but they had been asleep for a couple of hours.

Michael bought a firework for each child. They were a little confused when we woke them up,

But they warmed up and loved the firework show.

My family got together for the 4th of July weekend at my parents cabin this year.

First, we stopped at the park in town and played games for a few hours. In the sweltering heat.

We did a little ice blocking. I even raced my niece, and I think it's pretty obvious who won.

As I mentioned earlier, it was HOT. 

There was a lot of time spent in the shade trying not to melt.

Look at all those cutie girls loving on Sam. He sure got a lot of attention from all of them.

We also played a little kick ball.

And Max played swords with his boy cousins. Lucky duck.

For some reason, Kat and Max always get so flushed when they are out in the sun. 

Their faces just turn bright cherry red.

Grandpa thought he would help cool Kat off, so he dumped a cup of water on her. 

He quietly told her that she could get him back sometime. I guess she did. Love this picture.

After the park, we headed up to my parents cabin.

Michael brought a couple of BB guns for entertainment. 

I promise that this was not their target though.

While we were all visiting, someone spotted a mama moose and her baby in the trees. 

She hung around for a long time, while we all got a closer look.

And keeping with tradition, my mom made three batches of delicious ice cream.

Which everyone one loved. Of course.

The girls had fun making fairy houses.

And I of course loved taking pictures of these cute people.

Later that night, we all went back to town to watch the fireworks.

Early the next morning, our family went on a little hike.

We didn't get very far, but we collected a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers for grandma.

Michael took my mom's VW Bug out for a spin. About six times.

He chauffeured our whole family around the mountains in Herbie or Ocho (It has a number 8).

I know he's already offered to buy it from her, but she's not willing to part with it. Ever.

Michael also taught the menfolk how to build fire with sticks.

Have I ever mention that my husband can do that? He's quite the wilderness man.

While the men were building fires, the ladies and the children decided to go on a nature walk.

About ten minutes in, the nature walk turned into a two mile hike to the pond.

Luckily, I had a lot of help with my kids. Kathryn walked the whole way in her flip flops, 

And my sweet sister Michele carried Max the entire way. She sure got a kick out of him.

I think the men started to wonder where we were about the time we called and requested a ride.

Everyone enjoyed playing in the pond. It was so nice to wade in the cool water after a long and dusty hike.

However, my niece found a leech on her foot. So everyone got out to check their feet too.

Kathryn had quite a few. Thanks Kris for taking care of those!

And a final picture of the hikers. 

What a fun trip! We had an awesome time celebrating with our family.