July 4th

We had a fun 4th of July weekend this year.  We had 2 sets of visitors come and see us.  Aaron's Mom and Dad and my Mom and Dad and my little sweet niece Ava.

We had yummy summer food, LOTS of fireworks, good family time and pretty nice weather.

Family picture-best one we could get!

G-ma Purcell with Brady and Ava

Collin's new trick-when we tell him we're taking a picture he sticks his finger up his nose!  Grandpa Purcell-did you teach him that?  You're looking awful happy!

G-ma Gray hitchin' a ride on the tricycle with Ava

Pop Pop giving the kids a ride in the wagon!

 We also had some friends over on the night of the 4th of July for a BBQ and fireworks.  I've been used to living in places where you can't buy any "good" fireworks and set them off.  Well.......Nebraska is NOT one of those places.  You can get anything here and set it all off.  In fact, one street over in our neighborhood got permission from the city to block off the street, pool together all of their fireworks and set off a crazy show.  There were several of these shows in our neighborhood and the one right behind ours on the golf course as well.  We did not even have to leave our yard to get a full on fireworks display and it did not disappoint!! 

Unfortunately, with all of the access everyone has to these fireworks, they set them off all week and all night!  Not even exaggerating-it was at all hours of the night! Collin somehow slept through all the noise most every night. Bo did not want to have anything to do with the fireworks.  He thought he wanted to come outside with everyone but as soon as he heard the first noise he ran for the garage steps and wanted back inside!  Not surprising!! 



Gotta have some sparkler fun



Ava, Jorie and Brady with their glow sticks-big hit with the 4 year olds!

Brady wearing Aaron's flying earmuffs because the fireworks were too loud!

Ms America!

Me and my girl getting in some girl time!  Manis/Pedis and Hair and Makeup party in my bathroom and in the words of Ava "No boys are allowed in here-only girls!"  Fine by me girly!!

These two crack me up every time they play together

So excited for fireworks

So cute!  Love my little man!

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July-we sure did!  I am grateful for the freedom that most of us take for granted.  I am also grateful that there are a lot of people in this country that are willing to fight for our freedom even now.  I'm also glad that we got to have Aaron with us this 4th of July because we have spent several without him here in the US with us!