4th of July 2015

Our 4th this year was jam packed. Seriously, we did everything. Knowing it was our last fourth in Utah, we made the best of it. It started with the balloon festival at 6am. So. Stinking. Early. We met Jacob and Valerie and their kids there. When we got there, none of the balloons had started inflating, which wasn't normal. Then we got word that the weather was too bad for them to take off. I was so bummed. Thankfully, after probably 30 minutes, a lot of the balloon owners went ahead and blew up their balloons anyway and just let the kids walk through them and see them. I was so glad for that! That's all the kids really cared about. And we got lots of pictures of the kids with the balloons. :)

After the balloons, we headed to our cars and drove South a bit to find new parking. Then we walked down to Center Street to eat breakfast at Gurus. Yum. I love that place. After we ate, we walked back up North to Valerie's family's spot for the parade. Thank goodness for them and saving a spot! I love the Provo parades. They're so fun. And it wasn't nearly as hot as last year, so it was actually manageable.

After the parade, we said bye to Jake and Val and headed home for naps and time to cool off. When we got up, we packed up and headed to the Freedom Festival downtown. I love this little festival. It's like a mini fair basically. They have food and booths and little rides. It's just perfect. We walked around and bought yummy fair food! We had spiral cut fries. They were like spiral cut potato chips and they were delicious. Man I could go for some right now. After the festival, we headed home to pack up for the night out for fireworks. We met up with Kendal, Matt and my brother Joe and his family! It was wonderful. We played games and talked. We had a great view of the fireworks over the stadium. It became one of my favorite traditions, watching that show from outside the stadium.

The fireworks were amazing, as always. The girls did great. The loved them. Elliott kept her ears covered, but she still enjoyed them. And Piper was enthralled. We got home really quick, unlike last year when it took us over an hour to drive 8 blocks!

It was such a great 4th! I love that holiday! Especially when we get to spend it with family and friends.

Sleepy morning eyes, waiting for the balloons.

Piper didn't want to take her eyes off the balloons for a picture.

Yep, can't get her to look.

At the parade!

Such a sweet boy.

Hot pink cheeks.

Story of Piper's life. Poor thing.

Off to the Freedom Festival.

Listening to music at the festival.

Setting up for the fireworks!

Kendal and Matt.

Lighting off some sparkers and piccolo petes.