4th of July Weekend

We love going to visit Jodi and Chris for the 4th of July.  My three youngest boys tell me their house is their favorite place on earth.  They spend almost all of their time outside with cousins, playing with animals (Sally the Cat is their favorite), jumping on the trampolines, playing night games, or just generally running around.  

This year, we started off our trip with helping Chris put on a July 4th day full of events for his town.  We helped him cook and serve breakfast for 160 people, and then cook and serve lunch for even more.  

In between breakfast and lunch, Jodi packed us all in her big white van to go watch the parade downtown.  We showed up a little late and missed the first few floats, but somehow managed to grab the best spot to sit--right under a tree that shaded us the entire parade!  

Ned got to drive the train over to the park for it to be used during the town's July 4th festivities

Lunchtime on the 4th with cousins

watching the neighbor's firework show at Dallas and Tim's

Some of the firework show in Richfield

Our perfect backpacking campsite

The day after the 4th we started the day off floating down the canal--a favorite activity for some of the kids. It's fun and a little freaky as we have to float underneath the freeway in a spider-infested tunnel.  The kids love it!  

That evening, we loaded up our gear for a backpacking hike up the canyon.  We hiked across the stream 5 or 6 times, crossed under the freeway, and eventually found this picturesque camping spot right next to the stream.  

Nyle learned a little about eating the right nutrition after battling an upset stomach, but after a few trips to the bathroom (aka the trees behind our campsite), he was fine and able to enjoy the rest of our journey. 

Ned's peeking his head out of his hammock as we all rouse for the day.

Nyle and West getting ready to heat up their instant oatmeal breakfast.

Roasting hot dogs for dinner

After our backpacking trip, the kids did their favorite thing--play with cousins in the backyard.  Lincoln went off to play pickleball with Heston and James, while the remaining kids roasted hot dogs, played with Sally, and worked on their gymnastic tricks on the trampolines and air mattresses.  They ended the night with a few rounds of "Freeze Tag" and "No Bears Out Tonight" in the dark.  

The kids were reluctant to leave Sunday afternoon.  They had so much fun and we were heading back into 120-degree weather!  Fortunately, we made a quick stop in to visit Grandma Hills on our way home, who quickly prepared dinner and cookies.  We were so glad we got to see her before we finished our drive home.