Splash, Boom, Wow

Fourth of July weekend was a blast. My sister Lillie drove down from Provo, UT to celebrate with us, and my niece came in from New York. We did the beach thing and then visited with friends. We had a fun 4th, because we did a lot of firsts! We went to the local waterpark in Redlands, Pharoahs. I hadn't been since I as a teen and it was so much fun hanging out with the "big kids" going down the scariest water slides and floating down the lazy river while Isaac took a nap on me. We then went back to my parent's house for a not-so-ordinary barbecue. It was a culinary experience. Everyone kicked it up a notch and brought amazing dishes. Then we rushed off to the fireworks show. Half of us walked (my family and mom) and the rest drove down to the University of Redlands for a spectacular fireworks show. It was incredible. We loved it. A Fourth we won't forget!

I picked up Lillie late at night and we woke up really early to attend the first session at the Newport Temple.  It was a wonderful experience to be there with my little sister.

The next morning we woke up really early again to go to the beach.  We had a great time and left before it got really crowded.

When we got back from the beach my niece Skye was at our house with my parents.  She came to visit for three weeks from New York.  We had a blast with her.  Such a good niece and very helpful with the babies.

The Baker's were in town and we got to spend time with them.  We had dinner and sparklers.  Aleena was happy to be with her best friend.

She was so good with sparklers.  No injuries, thank goodness.

Leena loved going down the waterslide.  She would go down and then get right back in line.  Loved seeing her big happy face.

Isaac finally got used to the water. The first few times at Pharoah's he would curl up in a ball and not go in.



Fourth of July in 1986.  My best friend Mandy's birthday was July 5th, so we went to the Redlands Bowl to watch fireworks and had tapioca pudding. 



Isaac loved crawling on Papa while waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Everytime we get together we have to get another "sister" picture.

Showing off our bling.  Serene's takes the cake!

I love this picture of my darling Leena.

The fireworks show was amazing!  Just as good as I remembered.

Isaac was entranced, and Skye and I were like little kids.

Aleena loved it.  She didn't get scared of the loud noises.  She laughed hysterically everytime my dad would say, "Mama Mia", after a big one.