4th of Juy

 We started out the morning with a fun small town parade, complete with rodeo royalty.  Is there anything better than starched teal wranglers...I think not.

 These two cuties were trying to be extra cute to get more candy, and it worked like a charm.

 After the parade we went up to the quad on USU to play a little kick-ball (which I managed to not capture with a single picture).  Then we corralled the grand kids (plus a few-Patrick's kids) for a picture. 

 And if you call yourself an Aggie, you can't leave without taking a couple pictures on the A table.

 We are definitely Aggies!!!

 And so are Mike and Jen...

 And Patrick and Lisa.

 And what is a family reunion without a little friendly competition...who is the fastest?  I think McKay claimed it.

 And then the grand kids had to follow suit.

 Followed by more pictures...Monte and Jennifer, we missed you!

 And then we headed over to Mike's work to have a family dinner in the conference room, and light up some sparklers.

 These little fun fire sticks are so stinkin' dangerous.  Why we think they are the perfect thing to hand a 2 year old is beyond me.

 Here you go, have a burning piece of metal that you could poke yourself, or anyone near with.  But look at that happy smiling dirty face...

But I can get on board with the pop things...little bags of gun powder.   Little Bassett was jumping as high as his little legs could get him, and throwing them down as hard as he could.  He was having a blast!!!

 The masses.

 Oh, two two-year-olds.  "Let's share our fire..."

 Nice choice of clothing Parker...Red, white, and blue!  Good worker.

 Then after all the fire sticks and gun powder packets were extinguished, we let the teenage boys light the bigger stuff.

 Which consisted of some screamers, stink bombs, buzzing bees...and all were a huge hit.

 Little Preston had the best seat in the house.  He loves his daddy!

Somehow, this picture is out of order, but it is a cute one to end with.  Hope y'all had a safe and fun 4th of July.  I know we did.

July 3rd at USU...time to catch up

 There are a lot of pictures...but I saved the best for last, so you have to look at them all. :)

 We headed up to a field right next to the stadium so we could watch the fireworks show for free that night.  We had a couple hours to kill, so we played a little frisbee...

 The kids discovered Red Rover...

 (Which ended up being Reilynn and Bailey's favorite because they kept getting chosen. The older kids realized really quickly that the little ones couldn't make it through their lines.)

 If Reilynn wasn't playing Red Rover, she was perched on Grandad's lap...for hours.  Thanks Grandad for being brave enough to have the little potty-training-2-year-old sit on your lap!

 Parker was saying thanks to Grandma for the yummy gingersnap cookies she brought to share with everyone.  You can't tell from the picture, but he liked them a lot.

 Mark being Mark.

 Marshall being Marshall.

 Aubrey tickling Reilynn.

 I taught the kids how to play Killer.  It doesn't sound like a kid's game, but I learned it at scout camp...it is fun.

 Reilynn's "say cheese" face.

 Right before the fireworks started, the kids were getting a little restless.  We pulled out the glow sticks.  They were a hit...

 for all ages!

 Even Grandma joined in the fun.

 Cute Kas.  Her poor lip was so chapped from being in the dry weather.

 Bailey wanted to hold little Audrey.  She was a little old to be held like a baby, but Bailey didn't care.  Poor Audrey was very patient with her.

I told you I saved the best for last...two little cutie patooties snuggled in Grandma's lap for the show.  It was a fun night.

Greg, Angie and Fam showed up...

 I know this is Lorelei, and she doesn't belong to Greg and Angie...but these were too cute to leave out.  They were taking turns brushing each others' hair.

 Oh, and Reilynn attacked herself with a stamp.

 A little Just Dance Kids II, go gangta Natalie!

And I loved that Brevan and Conner weren't too cool to have a little chat with the little girls.  I wish I knew what they were talking about.  Where is a mega miracle ear when you need one?!?!

The festivities begin...

 We began the festivites with a BBQ at Marshall and Lynndsey's house. 

 Reilynn and Lorelei hit it off immediately.  They are so cute together!

 Reilynn also discovered her Grandad.  She sits on his lap every chance she gets.

 We had a day to kill while we waited for everyone to arrive, so we went to a splash pad.

 Who knew water randomly squirting out of a slab of cement could be so fun?!?!?

 But as you can tell, it definitely was!

 Parker, you a cute kid.  I can still say that when you are 9.  You are growing up so fast!

On to Idaho Falls

 Mark and I went to school at Utah State with Kevin and Lyndsey.  It was so fun catching up with them!!!

 Nothing says "ggod firends" like having your daughter pee on their floor and couch, and they still invite you to come again.  At least they said we could come back. :)

 Cute little Logan!  He was very patient with 3 little girls who wanted to treat him like a doll.