Fourth of July 2009

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love, love, love the Fourth of July in Idaho Falls. Here's how it goes. First we kidnapped some cousins from Utah because they know how fun it is and wanted to come. It starts with the Culdesac of Fire, which is a neighborhood party with fun, friends, good food, candy cannon, fireworks and this year I did some face painting. Olivia loves to paint anything and when she saw me painting faces she wanted to paint mine. Pretty good for a three year old.

Next, the night before, Jeff sleeps on the tramp with the kids. Fireworks are going off all night and it is a blast. This year Kate and Kat did shadow dancing up against the fence.

 

On the morning of the fourth, Jeff and Kate or Kyle go early and set up our spot. It is at the beginning of the parade. They play football and eat donuts while they wait for the rest to show up. The parade tradition goes all the way back to when Jeff and I were dating. We are both very obnoxious at the parade and yelled and cheered for everyone (obnoxious is the tradition) Consequently this leads to lots of candy. We also got the tiger mascot to embarass Annalisa. Olivia was not embarassed to speak to and hug anyone in a costume.

After the parade we go to Kate Courley Park and eat and play games. By the time we are done we just drive home without any traffic.

 

 In the past I try to figure out a way to play volleyball. I have set up games at home to pass the time while waiting for the fireworks. This year we were invited to a volleyball tournament. The kids were invited to come and play water games, so we spent all day in the sun. It was soooo fun. Food was included in this one too. As soon as the tournament was done we went to Jeff's parents to have a BBQ. We all plopped onto the blanket exhausted from the day. Their yard is nice and shady at night. Then we have another huge feast with corn on the cob, etc. This year they played spoons where you have to run to get the spoons across the yard, water balloon toss and face painting replenishment. The kids also played in Jeff's parents new water fountain, which Michael made.

 

 

Lastly we run down to the fireworks right before they start and find a little spot to cram into and enjoy the beautiful show. Wow what a blast and what a day.