Saturday, July 5, 2008

Happy Birthday, America!

Last Monday night for Family Home Evening I tried to teach the kids about why we celebrate the 4th of July. I told them that it is America's birthday and that we are so lucky that we get to live in a free country. Nathan then asked me what 'America' was. I replied that it is where we live. I think I really got through to him. While we were watching the fireworks he pointed to them and asked, "Is that America?" How do you explain this holiday to a 3 year old?!!!

Despite the confusion, we had a great day!

We started the day at our ward's anual flag ceremony, breakfast and bike parade. I teared up as patriotic songs were played and sung- I have always felt a huge sense of pride and appreciation that I am an American (those of you who saw my house in Vegas can attest to that!).

The boys helped us decorate their bikes for the bike parade. Jon spent about an hour decorating Nathan's bike- I think every part of it was wrapped with crepe paper!


The boys loved riding their bikes around while everyone cheered for them. Jake even snuck in and went around twice!


After the ward party we went out to my mom's house and went swimming. My parents are in Arizona this weekend helping Becky who is in the hospital again (for more details on that go to her blog) and so we got the pool all to ourselves! I forgot to get swim diapers in Max's size so he had to wear one of Jake and Nate's. The sad thing is that it's not even that big!


This was Max's first time swimming. The water was a little cold so he didn't really love it!




Jake has started trying to dive in. It turns out to be more of a belly flop, but he loves it!

Nathan loved having Jon throw him up in the air. He's getting a lot braver in the water this year.

After swimming we headed back home and decorated star sugar cookies. It's a tradition in our family to decorate sugar cookies for every holiday!

We then went outside and played a little football and baseball in the backyard.




It's also a tradition to make this flag cake every year!

Max was all smiles wearing his flag outfit!

We went to Holly's house for a BBQ later that evening. The food was all delicious and it was nice to have a smaller group for a change. Jake does much better when there's not so many kids running around.


We ended the day watching fireworks over the lake. Carli is staying at our house this weekend so she got to hang out with us through all of the festivities. Jake is still deathly afraid of the loud noise that fireworks make so Jon took him up to his office and let him watch fun kid's videos on You Tube. Nathan and I watched the fireworks together and he loved them. It was such a great show!


I've decided that the actual day of the 4th of July is my favorite holiday since there are so many fun things to do and I love the reason for the celebration. Don't get me wrong, Christmas will always be my favorite for the whole holiday season, but there's just something about the 4th of July that I love. I'm so proud to be an American!



11 comments:

Heidi said...

Looks like so much fun! I love the 4th too! What a fun post! I seriously need to start a blog. :)

Bethany said...

Glad you had a great day! Thanks for sharing the pool! My family had a great time. How was the fireworks show at the lake? Maybe we should go there next year.

Robyn said...

What a great day! Cute picture of the family in the backyard too. I'm glad we got to spend some of the day with you at the ward breakfast. Your boys were so cute on their bikes with their huge smiles as they rode around!

Heather said...

Happy belated 4th! I saw your house in Vegas. Definitely patriotic! I love that you are proud to be an American. Did you really tear up? So cute Sarah. That cake picture brings back some high school memories.

Is Becky alright? I hope she's okay. I don't see any updates on her blog.

Nat Lud said...

Amen, sista! I love the 4th too! Such cute pics of your holiday fun. I love the pic of Max in his swimming diaper! I am so bummed we missed you in Yellowstone by one week! Hope you have a great time!

Nat Lud said...

And I just have to add that you guys are awesome parents! I love that Jon took Jake up to the office and spent time with him that way instead of making him sit through it so both of you could be together. I just admire you guys so much!

Melanie said...

Wow! I am really impressed you got so much to fit into one day. (Your house in Vegas was very patriotic and super cute, by the way.) The boys will have great memories!

Love the swim diaper picture on Max. That picture is priceless. He's so cute and chubby. Just like your other two.

Tonya said...

You guys are the most festive family I know. So cute.

I love your new header, it's darling!

Andrea said...

Looks like a great 4rth, missed the flag cake this year. Love your new family photo. I love the bike parades, so much fun for the kids. Looks like you had a great day.

Megan said...

You always look like you are having such a fun time. I love the holiday for the patriotism and having a day off work to spend with family.

Jen said...

I guess I'm just a month behind reading your blog, sheesh!

You have the cutest family. I always love reading about your family traditions and seeing the kids all dressed up.

So cute!