A Very Happy 4th

I love 4th of July in Utah County - probably because both of our families have lots of fun traditions here.  The only tradition that I don't have pictured below is of the parade, which I'm kind of over, but will continue to do it for the kids.  

Here's Rachel and Brandon after the Hale Family water-fight.  I wish I could have got some action shots, but there is NO mercy, so I keep my camera in the car.  For the last 30 years, the Hale extended family gets together on the 4th of July at Aunt Rachel's house for a lunch, candy drop & water-fight.  After lunch there is a special "celebrity" appearance and candy drop from the second story window.  Brandon has participated in the "celebrity" portion since I've been married to him and he's been President Monson (does a great impression) and Barack Obama (this one was a stretch) and even more that I can't recall.  It's so funny!  Anyway, there's a candy drop for the kids, but water is dumped on them as they go for the dropped candy.  Rachel loved it and is such a trooper when it comes to water - bring it on!  Then the water-fight begins and everyone from the old to the young gets pummeled with cold water.  I wasn't around for Grandma Hale's last few years, but apparently she was in a wheelchair and they'd set her in the middle of the yard and give her a watergun and ammo so that she could participate.  Don't come if you don't want to get wet.  It's such a funny tradition!

Lots of family BBQ's - this one's in my mom's backyard

We always wake up early on the day before the 4th and head to see the Hot Air Balloons.  It was so fun to take Rachel this year since she really enjoyed it.  This year, my brother and his wife, Cindy, hosted us for breakfast at their apartment nearby - yum! 

We woke up Rachel to go see the fireworks outside of Stadium of Fire - thanks for the enthusiasm, Rach.  I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed in the fireworks and Rachel's reaction.  She wasn't as thrilled with them as I thought she'd be, but oh well, fireworks are so magical to me so we'll keep up this tradition.  

It is always important to wear red, white and blue on the days before and the day of the 4th.  It took Brandon a little while to grasp the concept, but he does good now ... and if he forgets, my mom is sure to remind him.  

We're so grateful for this country we live in.  Happy 4th, America!