4th of July

I know the 4th of July was almost 2 months ago, but I took full advantage of my summer and was quite lazy. Now that life is back into it's routine, I'm trying to catch up. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon/evening on the 4th at my grandparents house in Orem. They have a beautiful backyard with big trees that provide some nice shade. It was nice to sit, relax and enjoy the company of family! (I apologize for not getting pictures of more of them!)

I absolutely LOVE this face and adore this girl!
Jenna was all decked out in RED, WHITE, and BLUE to show her patriotism!
(More like mom made her wear it!)
Sure looks cute!

Our little family

William playing with the chalk.

He is the cutest boy! I can't help smiling every time I see him!

Grandma Summerhays brought bubbles for all the grandkids.
Jenna LOVES bubbles!

She hasn't quite gotten down how to hold the wand away from your mouth.
She ends up looking like she is foaming at the mouth with rabies!

Trying to blow with the wand away from her mouth.
We'll have to keep practicing!

This girl is in heaven with Cheetos!
I'm sure you couldn't tell by her fists full of them!

Jenna, Jocelyn, and Claire
These cute cousins made a fort out of one of the lawn chairs.
They had a good time sitting together and snacking on chips.

Our 4th of July Weekend

Saturday July 3 - We started our weekend up in Layton with Whitney and Mom and Dad Cowley. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Chili's with Jenna keeping us entertained.

Whitney, Jenna, Grandma Cowley

Jenna's first lime.
She didn't seem to like it at first,
but kept leaning forward to take another taste.
A girl after my own heart!

Whitney and Jenna

Grandpa Cowley and Jenna
Grandpa was making funny faces at Jenna. She just stared at him in awe.

This girl LOVES her pretzels!

Jenna and Grandma

Sunday July 4th - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!! Since it was the Sabbath we stayed home and enjoyed being together.

Dad sharing some of his popsicle with Jenna.

Opening up for another taste!

Monday July 5th - BBQ at Mom and Dad Summerhays' house. After eating some tasty brats and chicken we all congregated on some blankets in the shade. It was nice to relax in nice weather with good company!

We love being together!

Hooray!

Jenna shared a Cookies n' Cream Fat Boy with Mom.
I think she ended up eating most of it!

Cute girl Jenna!

Love that "o" face!
(Looks like she's getting ready to say The Pledge of Allegiance with her right hand over her heart.)

Happy 4th of July!

It has been a family tradition of ours to go to the 4th of July Parade in Provo as part of the Freedom Festival. We have done this ever since I was a little girl. We may not have made it every year, but we went when we could. Ever since my siblings have been members of the American Fork Marching Band we haven't missed a year. This year my younger brother Robert is on the drum line. It's always fun to see him in action. My brother Patrick and his wife Tawna stake out a place for us every year in front of their apartment right on the parade route. Thanks guys! We always have a great time being together and enjoying the parade!

Baby Claire enjoying the parade (and Grandma's water bottle) :)

Me and Mom - Eliza - Shannon

Christian and Channing chillin during the parade

Anxiously anticipating the arrival of the AF Marching Band

The American Fork Marching Band



Robert is the first drummer in the first row of drummers.

Later that day we gathered at my grandparents in Orem for dinner. We had yummy food and a good time relaxing in the shade! Thanks G&G Hyde for letting us come and spend the evening!

The little cousins wanted to feed some carrots to the horses that live on the other side of my grandparents fence. Grandma Hyde got the carrots and was able to coax the horse over. The horse turned out to be a little skiddish, so the little ones only watched as my sister Shannon fed the horse the carrots. He would only take them from her.

Austin enjoyed the afternoon sitting in the shade and reading his book.

I am truly grateful to live in a country that has so many wonderful freedoms. We are extremely blessed to be able to live and worship as we please. It is a comfort to know that God set this land aside for the purpose of having these freedoms so the Gospel could come forth. I feel greatly indebted to those men who were foreordained to come and set up this great nation.