In the Rockets' Red Glare

We had a busy 4th of July, filled with family, friends, food, and fun. This video of the fireworks finale was filmed from my chair in Jeff and Dana's driveway, which is located next to the high school football field where the fireworks program is held each year. And each year ash and charred debris falls from the sky to rain upon our heads. It adds an extra element of excitement to the event, since we never know who will get conked by the next falling chunk! We also have to watch the roof for burning embers...

The day began quietly with a 7am pancake breakfast at the church pavilion. We weren't exactly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, as this photo attests. It is summer, after all!

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This is an annual event in our ward, and we always look forward to it despite the earliness of the hour.

Our bishop's wife was so taken with Dylan's bed-head that she asked if she could take a picture of it.

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Jacob's didn't look much better. I've been hinting to both boys for a few weeks now that it might be time for a haircut.

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The automatic sprinklers were on, and eventually both boys stuck their heads in the spray for a quick soak, then borrowed their sister's brush to slick down their hair.

When the pancakes began to arrive, the boys were quick to get in line.

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They were very helpful about bringing plates of food to our friend Gwen and me while we sat chatting with members of our ward family.

Between pancake deliveries, the kids enjoyed ham, watermelon, and chocolate milk.

After the breakfast, Jacob went off to join the 4th of July parade in Show Low.
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He had volunteered to hand out candy to the children (and to the adults who are big kids) along the parade route.

This was the Cellular One float Jacob was helping out with.

It was a long parade, from 9 to 11am. Jacob didn't get home until after noon.

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Dylan came home with his pockets loaded with handfuls of small candies!

Jeff and Dana have a barbecue each year. It's our annual tradition to attend.

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Everyone is invited, so we never know who'll show up, but it's always fun with plenty of interesting conversations.

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Here's Dylan with Dana's brother Nathan, digging into the homemade ice cream!

Here are the host and hostess, Jeff and Dana, with Callie.

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After the fireworks, while waiting for the roads to clear before heading home. I was sitting at a table munching the crumbs in the bottom of a Lay's Potato Chips bag when Callie climbed up beside me. She began munching on crumbs, too, mimicking my movements by dusting her fingers off on her pants the way I was. We all laughed, but no one laughed louder than Callie!

This is my nephew Justin with his wife Alisha and their son Aiden.

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It was a great night, a good time to remember why we celebrate Independence Day. It's a wonderful blessing to live in a free nation, to have the liberty to worship as we wish, and to live our lives as we choose.

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These blessing are especially sweet when we can enjoy them with those we love.