***The 4th of July weekend***

This was the best 4th of July weekend we have ever had! For one, we were ALL together! What more can you ask for! Second, it lasted for 4 days!!! Third we got to watch three firework shows! And fourth, my kids were so tired form the looong weekend they slept in today... is 7:30 sleeping in?!

On Thursday we went to Mal's performance at the High School for the 100 yr celebration. We are so proud of our little Mallie. Mason for the most part was just happy to have one of dads golf balls in his hand. After it was over we headed to El Mexicano- yum yum! The kids went and had a camp out with Grandpa after dinner. They got Mal a princess sleeping bag and Mason a Cars. The kids were in heaven. Grandpa said that after a few million games of hide and seek the kids actually fell asleep in the tent...and they stayed there all night

On Friday night we went to Aurora and played all night! Trav's B-Ball team had a bunch of booths for fund raisers. There was so much so much going on. There were 4 different blow up things- the obstacle coarse was Mal favorite, and the moon walk was Mason's. There was good food too- that was moms favorite-pulled pork and dutch oven potatoes-yummy! Malarie had her performances where she did such a great job. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Taryn, and Uncle Chris were all able to be there to support her. She was in heaven with all the attention! When all the fun was over we settle down with the Snows and Hales to watch the fireworks. Mason sat on my lap the whole time just saying, "Pretty Mama!" Malarie was loving the show too. She kept saying, "That ones my favorite...so is that one...and that one too!"

On Saturday, we got up had a great breakfast at Grandmas and Grandpas and then headed to the Salina festivities. The kids favorite game was a baseball one where they won gold fishes. Malarie named her fish Sparkle and Mason named his Tessa.

After the Salina fun we went back to Aurora for more. Mal and Mason were having a blast. They love the little games and of course the PRIZES!!!!(that mom throws away once we get home and finds them all over the floor!) They had little races for the kids. Everyone that raced got a box of animal crackers. Malarie came in 3rd and got a ribbon and a gold dollar!

We got to have a 1 hr nap before Mal had to be on the float for the Salina parade. Mason loved the parade I thought his favorite part would be getting the candy, and don't get me wrong he did LOVE that, but I think he liked waving at the pretty girls on the floats waving at him!





(this is my very most favorite smile that Madi does, and I finally got it on camera!)

After the parade we went back to the Story's for a BBQ. We sure do like to eat! It was awesome!

After dinner we came to our house and played for a little bit. We let a few fireworks off and then watch the Salina fireworks from our back yard. We have such a great view. We were a little disappointed when the hill didn't start on fire this year!

On Sunday it kicked our butts to get up for 9 o'clock church...or should I say it kicked mine and Travs. We had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting. It finished off the weekend great.

I am so grateful for the country we live in and for the freedoms we have! God Bless the USA!