4th of July Weekend

Our 4th of July weekend started early and promised to be a bit crazy.  Dave got off work at noon on Wednesday, the 3rd, and we drove to North Salt Lake for fireworks with our dear friends.  We were so excited to see them!  We met the Coulams, Whetstones, Tagges and Essigs up at the golf course to share treats and visit while waiting for the fireworks to start.  The kids were thrilled to play with their friends, and the fireworks show was awesome (as always).  I'm so glad we made it this year!

All the kiddos (plus an extra kid who ran to join our picture when I told everyone to smile!)

Emma and Henry -- Best Buddies

After the fireworks we drove to Orem to spend the night.  Carson woke up early to head back to Star Valley with Aunt Eliza and Uncle Craig. They spent the weekend up at the ranch helping Grandpa Jex build shelves and a workbench in the new garage.  The rest of us slept in and then drove to Fort Collins.  We were excited to go to our second big fireworks show of the year, this time at City Park.  We had quite a crowd -- Grandpa and Grandma McClure, Uncle Brennan, Uncle Riley and his beautiful "friend" Tara, and Aunt Kacie.  So much fun!  The fireworks were delayed and lots of people left, but we stuck it out and were rewarded with the show.  The girls thought the bus ride to and from the fireworks was particularly interesting.

Waiting for the fireworks to start. . .

CUTE!!

Because of where we were sitting, we had to turn and look uphill at the fireworks.  Joely tried to escape a few times, but we never lost her (thank goodness)!

Enjoying the bus ride back to the car.  I think riding a city bus was a new experience for the girls.

The next day, Grandpa and Grandma watched the girls while Dave and I went and 

BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!  

After meeting our realtor (for the first time) we walked through a few houses in Johnstown.  It was a pretty easy decision to go for the house we'd figured we wanted when looking online.  We'll be building a cute little house in a beautiful neighborhood on the outskirts of Johnstown.  We're VERY excited!

When we tied everything up with the house, we went back to find Grandpa giving scooter rides.  Even Dad got in on the fun!

Originally we'd planned on staying in Fort Collins until Sunday, but we'd wrapped everything up with the house that we needed to so we drove home on Saturday.  That allowed us to go up to the ranch Saturday night and enjoy everyone who had come.  We had pizza and s'mores and enjoyed catching up with Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Justin, Uncle Craig, Uncle Ryan, Aunt Eliza and Grandpa Jex.  Carson and Emma loved playing with Lucas and Austin, and of course, four-wheeler rides were a must.

Hey, hey, the gang's all here!

A few people weren't quite so brave. . . :)

Grandpa gave lots of fun rides to very happy grandkids.

Austin especially loved the four-wheelers!

We had a fantastic, fun-filled, exciting and slightly stressful Fourth of July weekend!  We're excited for October when we get to move in to our brand new house and return to being Coloradoans, but boy will we miss Star Valley!