Happy 4th of July

For our July 4th celebration, we went to NY. My cousin graduated from high school the weekend before, and we had a big graduation party (and family reunion) on Saturday, July 3rd. I totally spaced and didn't take any pics that day. These pics are from Monday the 5th. We went to Candor (where my dad grew up) to watch the parade. Then we cooked out at my Grandma Neild's old property where my Uncle Garth and Aunt JoAnn had their camper set up. It was crazy hot so by mid-afternoon we headed back to my Uncle Kris and Aunt Laurie's house to relax in the pool.

Some strange parade watchers :)

Hunter saw this band coming and said, "Look, Mom, pirates!" He was excited. I tried to explain that they were old-fashioned soldiers but the tricorn hats really convinced him they were pirates instead. I tried to get video, but of course, they stopped playing just as they came by us.

Hunter and I watching a John Deere A pull a float.

Hunter and Dad checking out some candy that they have collected.

Hanging out at Uncle Garth's camper.

Getting cool in the pool. Which person has been in the sun the most this summer? It's crazy how brown that kid gets, even though I sunscreen faithfully. Here Grandpa is "Yee-hawing" him over Aunt Kelly. Yee-hawing is what Hunter called being thrown over something. He got braver and braver every day in the pool. He was jumping in by himself, swimming underwater on Grandpa's back, and letting Dad throw him over things.

He is a regular fish and loves swimming despite having to wear ear plugs and a headband because of the tubes in his ears.

Uncle Jeremy was also a favorite play buddy in the pool.

It was a fun, family time. Happy Birthday, America. May you always be a land of freedom, opportunity, and blessing.