4th of July!

In the past we've celebrated the 4th of July in Idaho Falls, here in Arizona (we do some things here - too dang hot, but it's always the day before or 2 days before.....weird. and NO fireworks). This year we being in Richland, naturally I thought we'd spend it with my family.......wrong. Sister and brother (not sure about the other 2) headed to Salt Lake and my parents went to Idaho?! What the craziness?! So with plenty of time and nowhere to go, I decided to go to Portland.....logical right? Called my BFF there and she loves me enough to just drop in with my 4 kids in tow and whomever I can get to join me. Turns out Aubrey was available. :) We went to the parade in Hillsboro with favorite Aunt Debbie, Jessie and her kids too. 

Note: sitting at the beginning of the parade is where all the treats are - people are still happy to be in the parade. :)

btw: it's not about the candy, treats, and fliers, it's a beautiful tribute to our War Vets, our free Country and all we get to have as citizens of this great country. I might tear up at every flag and Veteran that walked by - love this great nation.

 minor league baseball mascot - HOPS. 

 These next two 'floats/cars' cracked me up. politics.....sheesh

 aww, that's so nice.

BAM!

 hahaha!

 the over-enthusiastic and melting crowd - beautiful warm day (Jessie, Debbie, Aubrey)

 Mormon pioneers. :)

 something loud. :) Happy 4th of July!

Riding bikes is fun to do

 Seems a bit bizarre to be writing about a place that is currently in freezing temps and possibly has snow on the ground, but that's how far behind I am on blogging, and we had a fabulous time on our summer vacation - warm thoughts, warm thoughts, warm thoughts - maybe that will thaw us out. :)

This little girl learned how to ride a two wheeler!! Parents tried, but to no success.

The older sister was very successful!

 pure joy and sweet freedom!

 Not as successful, but still a fun time!

There were only little princess bikes and Lucas was not having it. I found this bike at Goodwill for $25! I may have spent a lot of time at Goodwill, my new favorite shopping place.

 yes riding bikes is fun, even when it's purple.....

Slip-n-slide

 To cool off, Grandpa pulled out this slip-n-slide to try out. The water was pretty cold, but felt great on a hot summer day.

not quite as daring as the rest and a little bit bigger to fit through. :)

 discussing how to go through the tunnel and use the mat

 bahahaha!

 SQUIRREL!

 Getting a little more creative: