Independence Day 2015!

We were lucky to get Steve's parents for our 4th of July celebrations.  I was feeling sad missing all my fun traditions I love to do with my family in Utah, so it was nice having family here to do some celebrating!

Steve's parents came the Friday before, so we took them to a DELICIOUS steakhouse in Grenada called the Triple T.  It did not disappoint.  Afterwards we stayed to watch some of the beautiful fireworks.

Putting Grandpa to work (well trying) Grandpa was pretty tired. "Grandpa, stop falling asleep!"

The next morning was kind of a late morning.  We hung out enjoying family (they don't do parades in Lamar!) and then did a little shopping before going to the pool.  It was fabulous!  We thoroughly enjoyed it.  

Ready to celebrate! Compliments of Grammy Joanne

Rowland was the ultimate lounger.  He loved floating around with Grandma! :)

Then, we got ready and went to our friends - the Dursts for a BBQ.  We had fun eating, playing Corn Hole, kids getting face painting, and just visiting.  The fireworks showed up later which was also fun - until children started having meltdowns from exhaustion.  We knew we had reached our limits so we headed home and threw the kids in bed. :)

Ultimate 4th of July boy - complete with BBQ hotdog, corn on the cob, homemade rootbeer and festive shirt!

Sharing with Grandma :)

My 4th of July Trifle! (Hilariously and English dish - to celebrate an American holiday - I went for the colors - okay?) :)

It was so delicious I made another one for a dinner we had with the missionaries later. :) I had to take another picture!

Whoops - zoom was on.

Ruby was done by the time I fixed the zoom lol. :)

Rowly hangin' with Grams

Our friends the Mackeys

Some more friends! The Dursts

Grandpa and Grandma - with Rowland eating hands. :)

Steve and I didn't realize we were both wearing red Hawaiian shirts...I guess we're missing Hawaii!

I got Ross to pose like this haha - so we could see the back of his shirt. :)

Corn Hole - Steve and his Dad dominated!

Our attempt at face paint with a wiggly Ruby.

My attempt at an airplane - don't judge!

The best I could get with exhausted 4th of July kids!

Really - no one wants to look at me!

Rowland's face paint - compliments of Rindy!

Playing with glow sticks and watching fireworks in the treehouse.

We enjoyed Sunday with Church, relaxing and playing with Grandpa and Grandma, and then on Monday Claudia and I did a massive sewing project (she helped me catch up on my quilt) while Steve and his dad figured out the sprinkler system.  That night Steve and I got to sneak out to see Jurassic World too - and loved it!  Then, just like that, Grandpa and Grandma had to go home.  Too fast.  We miss them like crazy!  But, we loved having some time to visit with them too.

Love story time.

I'm so grateful to have an extra special day to be reminded of how wonderful and beautiful freedom is, and to reverence those who put their lives on the line to protect that freedom.  We should all continually be mindful of that and be thankful for those who gave their lives for that cause.  I know I am.  Happy Independence Day! 

Denver Trip

Stephen's parents were going to come visit us before and after a Scouting Conference in Philmont, New Mexico.  We decided to meet them in Denver so we could go to the Temple there.  However, there was a sudden death in the extended family that happened right before they came - Steve's cousin Bryant passed away, so his parents needed to stay for the funeral.  It was quite surprising, sad, and he is missed.  It was a time to reflect on our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the BEAUTIFUL Plan of Salvation, and it brought comfort to everyone.  

Steve and I decided to go to Denver anyway and take turns going to the temple while the other watched the kids.  We got there in the evening and relaxed in the hotel room while Steve picked up some take out from the Red Robin next door.  After eating and Ross and Ruby exploring the room, we called it a night.

Ruby ELATED to be sleeping in a big kid bed.

This is a BEAUTIFUL sight :)  :)

I LOVE my babies! (Especially when they are sleeping ;))

Amazingly - we put Ross and Ruby in the pull out bed (Ruby's first time in an actual bed) and they both fell asleep within about 10 minutes and slept the entire night!  Wahoo!  That was the best we've done in a hotel room as a family.  
The next morning Steve got up early to go to the temple and I hung out with the kids (who even slept in!).  He got back and we had breakfast together before they dropped me off at the temple for my turn.  Oh, it was a breath of fresh air.  I love the closeness to God I feel there and how my mind seems to clear and be reminded of the truly important things in life involving God and my family.  It was oh so good.

Steve and the kids ran around the grounds outside and picked all the dandelions, which I was informed, was a TON.  

Love my messy haired Rubes!

Look at that gorgeous face!!

Trying not to look like she was about the pick off the flowers of every stem Hahaha.

"Love to see the temple.  He'll go inside someday." :)

Our little group. :)

Even though Steve's parents couldn't stop and stay a few days with us, it still matched up for us to meet them for lunch in Denver at least.

We went to the infamous Casa Bonita - known for their terrible food and amazing dive shows.  The place itself did not disappoint.  Ross and Ruby were quite enthralled with everything, and it was very nice seeing grandparents for a little bit.  Afterwards we did a quick trip to the Dollar Store and Costco before heading back home.  It was a fabulous weekend. :)   

Terrible food. ;) 

GREAT show!