It's Independence Day!

Growing up we did not do huge celebrations for the 4th of July. So to me, it was a fun holiday but not a huge deal... until we moved to Idaho. While living in Rexburg we discovered the magic of this fabulous holiday! They had a parade that you could not miss, fireworks that went to moving music, and of course Red and White and Blue everywhere. Also while living in Rexburg, a friend of mine lent me a book about traditions. It had many ideas for traditions we can create for our families, and also many reasons why such traditions can be important. That same friend had strong convictions about traditions as well, and I was touched by the things she said and things that I read in that book. (Steph B., do you know who wrote it?-I would love to give a reference).
So Dj and I hop to create as many opportunities for tradition in our family as possible. These are times that can feel special and be enjoyed together. Things that we start from the time they are young, and can hopefully draw as closer as they grow, especially into their teenage years. One of our Tradtitions in the making is to make Independence day a big deal- a day not to forget! A day to remember and celebrate and laugh and love. A day to do things that we don't usually do, and a day to teach our children how great it is to be a part of our country.
Luckily, we had some help from our ward this year! (our church). Our ward, and our neighboring ward get together on the morning of the 4th of July every year. They do a bike ride, a flag ceremony and a HUGE breakfast. The activity then ends with a "Children's Parade". They get to decorate their bikes, or in our case- a trike and a push truck- and ride in circles around the church in the parking lot as many times as they want. (the entrances get blocked with big rolling chalk boards)
About to Begin....

Still Going... and Going... and Going... These kids have a lot of energy! Eli started by sitting and pushing with his feet, then he figured he could go faster by standing and pushing the truck.... eventually he ditched the truck all together and just ran his little heart out! And we could not even keep up with Annica on her trike. I had to ask her to stop for this picture.


DJ's aunt Vickie has always sent cute Independence Day outfits. Aren't they cute? I actually got them to pose briefly together for a picture!

Later in the day, we rolled out craft paper along the driveway. We pulled out the Red, White and Blue paint and told them that they could paint however they wanted. They were allowed to used brushes, hands and even feet. Eli opted out of the hands... but they both thought it was fun to run through the paint and make foot tracks!


Regaurdless, Eli did not last long- he was more intrested in running around and eating candy! (hence why there are no pics of him painting)... but here is him in his true glory-

Annica apparently does not like rock candy...

And of course, we did celebrate by color coordinating in our red white and blue!

We did not feel like keeping the kids out late for fireworks, and to avoid traffic DJ sacrificed and gae us our own firework show right in front of our house!




Happy Independence Day! It feels good to be free!