This year, we did what I had been wanting to do for years: took our kids to the 4th of July celebration in Logandale, Nevada! I love the small town festivities. It was so much better than being in Mesa and trying to drive around for a good view of some fireworks. The kids had a blast with their cousins and Grandpa and Grandma.
We started of by barely making it in time for the breakfast. Just like old times! We ate some breakfast and came outside for the candy drop. The kids got plenty of candy and then got to play some games and win little toys and things. They were having a fun time, but it sure was HOT! We were all waiting out there for the firetrucks to show up and spray us all off. Poor kids.
Then the firetruck finally showed up! Now, that's what I'm talking about!
I didn't end up taking any other pictures, but we watched the watermelon eating contest, came back for a barbecue dinner, and watched the awesome fireworks. They are the best fireworks I've ever seen and they set them off about 50 yards away. Everly didn't like them so well, but she sure was happy before they started!
The next day, we headed up to Panguitch Lake, to Grandpa Packard's cabin. The kids had so much fun; we definitely need to make it up there more! I had a great time myself, playing games, helping Grandma, and most of all, seeing Lexie! I have really missed not having her close. I cried when I saw her! I had a little epiphany at the cabin and was really glad I went. It really made me think a lot and I realized that family is first. I feel like I need to be closer to my family so my kids can have that bond with their grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It just hit me like a ton of bricks. We aren't going to be able to do anything soon, nor do I want to, but I know eventually we'll have to change some things so we won't be so far away from family.
The kids had a blast on the four-wheelers, at the local fire station grand opening, fishing, searching for treasure with Uncle Gale and his metal detector, and just exploring. It rained the perfect amount and it didn't keep us from doing anything we wanted to do. We played tons of Silent Partner (my favorite) and had a really great devotional on one of the evenings. My grandpa, dad, and Uncle Chris each spoke a little and said some amazing things. Again, it just confirmed to me that I need to surround myself with family. I really have missed being around them more.
