Happy 4th!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday yesterday celebrating the birth of our nation.  I know we sure did!  We started the morning early by heading to see the balloons (apparently we weren't early enough because they'd all taken off by the time we got there!  Oops!  We barely caught this guy lifting off.  He was definitely Mabel's favorite so it was worth it.

We also got to see Smoky again (whew!) and got these cool Frisbees).

After the balloons we headed out to brave the crowds at the parade so that we could see Grandpa Miller ride by with the city council. 

This little Yankee Doodle Dandy did a good job waiting.

So did this one (with the help of the Kindle).

This float was one of our favorites.

And so was this one because it had our grandpa in it!  He's kind of in the middle with a white shirt on.

This one's for you Liza.  Looking beautiful.

After the parade we headed to Firehouse Subs (one of my favorites!) for some delicious sandwiches.  Doug got the pork and slaw one and it did not disappoint!

We then came home to swim (with new goggles!) and to finish making this.

Later that afternoon we headed to Doug's parents house to get ready to celebrate Mabel's birthday (which is actually tomorrow but we'll be at girl's camp all day) and the 4th of July.  We were supposed to have it at our house but Payson banned fireworks altogether (not even pops!) and so they were nice enough to let us hold it at their house.

Lilly enjoyed some swinging time waiting for the guests to come.

Three cute American girls!

We had some delicious food and treats!  The bald eagle heads were really fun to make.  We also did homemade peach and chocolate PB cup ice cream which were also delicious!

The kids also enjoyed some time playing in the sand.

It was such a fun evening and were grateful to spend it with great people like these

and these.

After dinner we got ready to blow up some of this fun stuff!

But we decided to sing to Mabel and open presents first.
Here we are singing to her.  For some reason she was not thrilled about embracing the flames coming toward her face.

037 from jmwilkins10 on Vimeo.


After it was blown out she was ok to touch it though.

Here she is opening some of her gifts.

The girls enjoyed playing with them later.

Looking good Lil!

Our little fam enjoying the firework show.  For some reason our camera setting makes us all look like Oompa Loompas.  Sorry bout that!

Here's one more thing I forgot to share!  My awesome friend from California sent me this super cute bracelet that I love!  When she was out here visiting me last she had some of this awesome jewelery (the company is called Twisted Silver) and was telling me that a friend in her stake in CA makes it all.  Each piece is made by hand so it's all totally unique.  She's had stuff worn by celebrities and stuff so I guess she's kind of a big deal out there.  Anyway, I was so excited to have a piece of my own!  Now I feel so trendy!  Thanks again Jen!  I totally love it!