Independence

We truly are grateful for all the men and women who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we now have- we need to do our part by continue to keep fighting for them.

We enjoyed our 4th! We drove back up to Cleveland to our old stomping grounds. We were able to see our best friends, the Ellsworths, for a minute before they left. We got to see Nate and Cami's (Connor's sister) new house and enjoyed their beachfront "backyard" just a block from their house!

We enjoyed the Kirtland pageant, "This Is Kirtland" - it was nice to be in the crowd this time around. Nate was the director this year and worked hard making a lot of wonderful changes. Cami wrote a new song for their new character- Lorenzo Snow. And it was awesome! If you are nearby, go, go, go!!! (BTW, this is Connor playing Joseph Smith last year)

We enjoyed a 4th of July picnic with our old ward in Kirtland. Ashlyn especially loved the river...
Dylan loved the ultimate Frisbee game, in which he REALLY did play. Everyone was amazed at how well he could throw that thing! Sadly, I don't have pictures of this because Connor was nice enough to let me play too.

We then enjoyed fireworks in our old town of Wickliffe. Corbin loved the fireworks and just sat their and watched whereas I was very surprised when Ashlyn literally started freaking out screaming that it was too loud and she wanted to leave immediately! She has seen them before, but it is a new year with new challenges! I was able to calm her down and hold her ears. But the very slightest move I made away from her ears, she would clench my hand in terror. Talking to her afterward she said she did like all the sparkles and colors. Maybe next year!!

The glow sticks were a hit while waiting for the fireworks to start...

I hope your 4th was as wonderful as ours!