Independence Day

This year we spent the 4th of July in, appropriately, Independence, California. I grew up in Independence and had always loved going to the festivities that our cute little town provides. It just occurred to me when we were there that I hadn't been home for the 4th since I graduated from high school, six years ago. I have talked it up to Shane ever since we were married and I do believe our trip lived up to every bit of it. I was so afraid that it was going to be so miserably hot, but a loving Father in Heaven blessed us with clouds all day long that made the heat much more tolerable. It really was a lovely day!

On the night of the 3rd, we all went to the park to listen to some great live music and catch up with some even greater friends.

Early Thursday morning, Shane, Emma and I all raced in the 4 K. Shane got second place out of at least 60 people!

Afterwards, we went to a pancake breakfast at the park and then to the town parade. Here Kenzie is going out to the street to pick up candy that a woman in the parade threw out to her.

And here is one of the exhibits that broke down right in the middle of the parade. All of these people came to the drivers rescue and helped push it until it started back up. It was quite comical.

Dad and Emma were in the parade, too, representing the Independence Volunteer Fire Department

After the parade, we went back to the park for the pie social and then Emma and Jackie participated in the spelling bee. They both did really well too!

We spent all day with our super good friends, the Whitney's. This is Joelle and Andy. They posed like this when they saw me taking their picture.

Andy gave Kenzie her first lollipop and she loved it!

Keith and Mason about to race in the potato sack race

Jenny, Keith, Shalyce, Andy, Shane and me getting ready to hop.

I think I was the last to get over the finish line...

But Andy, and some argue Keith, won first place! Emma caught this amazing picture of Andy jumping over the finish line. Keith is right behind him flying over the line like Super Man.

These are Andy's adorable girls in the matching striped shirts.

Andy, Keith, Emma, her friend, Joelle, and Shalyce in the three legged race.

Joelle and Kenzie.

Our happy group!

This is Ellie, 4 months, Henry, 2 1/2 month, and Enid, who was born 1 week before Henry. Ya, he is kind of a monster :) 

Auntie Emma and Kenzie

I love Shane's face in this picture. He is saying "cheese" for Makenzie and he just looks so cute! And so do my children, of course :)

After the delicious deep pit barbecue, we ate ice cream while waiting for the firework show.

Our wonderful day ended with a beautiful sunset right before the fireworks. It was such an amazing day. I am so grateful for this country we live in. I am thankful for our Forefathers who founded it under God and under inspiration from God. I hope that our country never forgets whose land this really is.