Independence Day!

Last Friday night, Jessica was so excited that she just couldn't get to sleep. This was a problem because we were planning on getting her up early Saturday (you'll see why in a second). She eventually got to bed and before she knew it, we were waking her up again to start our super Saturday. We crossed the street to the church so we could have a pancake breakfast with the ward. It was a lot of fun and we were able to meet a few more people in the ward. Then by 9am we were heading over to the parade route. Even though we moved and can really see the parade anywhere we'd like, we ended up by Laura's parents' house out of habit and had a great time this year.

Last year it was really hot for the parade, but this year it was cold and windy. It was actually much better than 90 degree heat, but I felt bad for all the kids trying to sell water and Hawaiian ice along the route. Jessica had a great time and couldn't get enough of all the horses, cheer teams, and beauty pageant winners.

She was soooo happy when Ms. Idaho Falls waved to her and told her how pretty she was. She loved to talk about how the princess (she was wearing a tiara) waved RIGHT at her. It was a good time.

When the kids started getting a little cranky, a fruit snack carbo load did the trick and they lasted another half-hour or so. Then we walked over the river so we could get some lunch. Jessica got a hot dog and the rest of us had corn dogs. The $3 lemonade killed me, but we were thirsty and, hey, it's a holiday.

We got home and Jessica was in her swimsuit in a flash...just in time to help me wash the car. Jessica's sneaky and loves to get people wet though so you have to be careful.

Chandler wanted to play some ball and does his best to get that little tennis ball into the hoop, but it usually just falls behind him. Oh well, he has a blast with it and it really is fun to see him get excited.

We got the kids up early so they would hopefully take a nap. Well this is no problem for Chan since he's usually begging for naps throughout the day. Jessica on the other hand, well that takes work. But the combination of the early wake-up call and all the festivities that morning left her fairly tired. She actually took a nap, which we really needed her to do since the fireworks don't get started until after 10pm - it just stays light for long up here. We had dinner with a couple of other friends and their kids and I got to bust out my BBQ'in skills one more time. It was a good time and I wish I would have taken some pictures of the Cahoons while they were here. They were friends of ours up in Moscow and we're happy that they're ending up at a firm close by.

Right before heading back to the river for the fireworks show, Jessica wanted to show off her sparkler skills.

We had some warm coals going so we had one more snack. The kids were in heaven, but it left Chan completely worn out. He fell asleep before the firework show so Jessica and I ended up going together. We were late, but found a good parking spot and watched the firework show from the bridge. It was so worth it just to see Jessica's face light up with every firework. I had to carry her back to the car and as we were walking she whispered in my ear that today was one of the best days of her life. I think going to Disneyland last summer in still holds the #1 spot, but it she had such a fun time and I'm glad I got to experience it with her.

And yes, I feel like a slacker for not having a video to post here.