Fourth of July

While the rest of the family went to the Freedom Festival parade, Daniel opted to go buy fireworks with Grandpa. I guess everybody doesn't "love a parade." Daniel was elated about his purchase of these firework tanks. I found a pack of smoke bombs after the parade and donated them to his stash. This is what the Fourth is all about for Daniel.

After lunch, extended family started arriving. Here are Steve (my brother - #4 and his wife Tiercy), along with their adorable daughter Alayna. Their sons Tyler and Ethan were nearby playing too.

The girls got in a little crafting before dinner. I brought the supplies to make more patriotic pinwheels.

We even made a variation with patriotic pencils that actually spinned. Well, sort of. I still prefer the fake-hot glued versions better. We found that they will spin, but they're not very durable. So, I think they work best as decoration. Still so cute!

My brother Scott's new girlfriend, Alyssa, taught the kids how to make these paper frogs. She taught two different groups and was so patient. The kids loved having jumping contests with them afterwards.

Of course, the fun truly began when the meal started. It was a traditional 4th of July meal - burgers and hot dogs, baked beans, a veggie tray, dump salad, chips, and lots of desserts.

Just look at those desserts! Lee and her kids made the patriotic cookies. Tiercy made the Dulce de Leche cake. The caramel, whipped cream, and Heath bar made it delish.

As part of her talent show entry, Lizzy did some face painting. Why, what a fun idea for Ethan. Go Cougars! Lizzy has some definite artistic talent.

And then the part that the grandkids await all year - The Talent Show!

Let it be said that the Hadlocks know how to dance.

Katie played her violin. There was a joke-telling segment. And lots of gymnastics and break dancing too.

Shake it Kathy!

Then we got out the massive rope for tug-o-war and jump rope! Here are all the grandkids in age order, except at the end where Drew and Lizzy are switched. I think Lizzy was already tied in as anchor.

I always love these extended family game photos.

Pretty strong bunch of kidlets And men-folk too

I usually get a ton of fun jump rope photos. This was probably my favorite this year. At one point, everyone had to do something silly when they ran in. Ben and I held hands and ran in together. I even tried out double dutch this year. Not easy. Maybe I will get it next year. Nicole was the sole champion of that!

Making s'mores is tradition. So is roasting Starbursts and Cinnamon Bears.

Here is much of our group that gathered that evening. This year, my sister Kathy's in-laws and extended family came over for part of the evening's festivities.

Let the family fireworks show begin!

Sparkly Katie

Christina adores cousin Michael and had so much fun playing with him.

This year's fireworks were bigger and better than ever. With changes in fireworks laws, there were lots of big fireworks all through the neighborhood. It almost felt like Disneyland!

This is one of my favorite holidays each year. I love spending it with our families. Such a fun tradition that unites us as extended family.