We started our holiday a little early. On Tuesday night, we headed to Rupert to where Uncle Matt works, an elderly care facility. They were lighting off some fireworks. Kell was taking her family so we went with too. Luckily we had packed blankets and sweatshirts for our sleep over at Kell's because it was chilly out. We snuggled up on the grass and watched the show. They were big fireworks and we were pretty close which led to really loud. Livee wasn't so sure she liked that. She did pretty good after she got comfy and kept her ears plugged. Aleena and Jase were super wound up and were being quite crazy. We then headed to Kell's after a quick stop at Walmart for a few groceries. Aleena had to be in Rupert on the morning of the 4th for a parade to advertise for the upcoming Wizard of Oz so we stayed the night at Kell's. She is a bit closer plus my kids have been dying to have a sleepover with them.
Kell's neighbor has a man made pond on his property. It has boats, zip line, swings, a picnic area, a slide, diving board and a bridge to jump off. They call it Harris Pond, Jeff Harris is the man who owns it. Kell's ward has a standing tradition of breakfast and then the neighborhood-ward-whoever wants to come- spends the day there just playing. We started the day off by going to breakfast. Kaydee came and stayed the night but she didn't make it to breakfast. Neither did Savanna. They served up pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage and yummy fruit with juice or milk. Yum, Yum.
We rounded up everyone and headed out for the parade. We had Aleena, Macey and Alexey to their float around 9:30 and went and got us a spot in front of the Minidoka Hostpital. We got a pretty good spot. Our shade moved by the time the parade hit us, so we were sweaty little monsters by the end. The girls float was one of the last ones. I was starting to get worried that they were super hot, but they were troopers and it didn't seem to bother them. They had fun. Livee was cute to watch. She waved at every float or car like they were parading just for her. Savanna informed us a few times that she was bored. The other kids just played and toughed it out. I will admit. It was hard for me to sit there and watch. I don't think it was the parade. I just needed a bit of shade and then it would have been better. Note to self. Bring an umbrella for back up. Sitting with family and a pile of ants made it more exciting.
It was 12:30 ish when the parade ended. We headed back to Kell's to fix Nachos. Awesome idea from Kaydee. They tasted delicious. The adults seem to overeat at family functions and the kids don't eat because they are to busy playing. The kids got dressed and we headed out for the pond. Brad had to work for the morning but met up with us at the pond. This year I made sure to have life jackets for all my kids so then I didn't have to worry. Livee can't swim with her foot yet, especially in dirty pond water. She was a super good sport at just hanging out and watching the kids. She loved to stand on the bridge and watch the kids. After a few times of me going with her because I didn't want her falling in, she put her life jacket on and could by herself. I found myself being a bit paranoid about her falling in and my 2 other young ones being by the water with out life jackets.
Everyone brought food to share and meat to bbq for dinner. After dinner Mr. Harris brought out the train for rides for the littles. Livee was so excited to get to participate. She went on almost every single round. And ended the evening with the Candy Cannon.
BREAKFAST
PARADE
Hallie is teaching the kids how to play belly tag.
listening to the rules of the game.
My no face daughter Savanna
Quincey hiding.
Can you guess which one has the short parents and the tall parents?
Livee lovin' on her Auntie
Faith and No-Face
Tate, Cooper and Livee making themselves comfortable by the snacks.
The float we have been waiting for.
Faith, Tate, Quincey, Hallie, Livee, Gracie, Jase, Cooper
THE POND
No-Face, Livee and Aunt Kell hanging out on the bridge.
Quincey, Tate, Lex, Brigam (Lex's friend) Hallie
Me showing the kids how to hook up their Zip line.
Macey, Gracie, Jase. Once they knew how to do it they did it for a long time.
No-Face
Aunt Kaydee brought her toe stuff and gave Kell and No-Face new pretty toes.
I told Livee "Do not show me your kisser!"
Cooper and Livee lovin' the train ride.
Quincey, Lexey, Hallie, Brigham, and Tate on the end. They jump off the bridge.
Hallie swinging and the crew behind them.
The boys giving the girls a final boat ride.
Blowing bubbles with bubble gum and chilling.
Paddle faster, paddle faster
The four baywatch girls.
Gracie, Brigham, Hallie, Quincey
Aleena
Waiting for the candy out of the Candy Cannon.
We rounded our stuff up and headed back to Kell's. Brad headed home and Savanna headed out with Aunt Kaydee so she could go to Volleyball camp. After showering off fishy water and cleaning up messes we headed to the back yard to watch a few fireworks. Livee was suddenly deathly afraid of them. Matt's brother in law had bought some fun ones and so we watched for a bit but decided we would head out. My kids were exhausted and Livee was going to have a heart attack. My kids were all asleep before getting home. It was an awesomely fun filled day. Thanks for day my wonderful family.
