(4th of July)

Happy 4th of July! We made a quick trip to Storm Lake to celebrate the holiday and participate in some of the festivities.

We were there for a little over 24 hours...and it was HOT, HOT, HOT.

What saved us? The lake. :) When we rolled into town on Tuesday afternoon, we headed straight for G & G Barber's house, changed into our swimming gear, and got in the water...which was honestly as warm as bath water. :) Lots of fun...snapped a few pics...

On Wednesday morning, it was time for the Ride-Run race around the lake.

My dad did the race with a friend of his...

...and Jen, after a 5 year "break," decided she would be my partner again. :)

I honestly don't know if I can say the race was "fun," but we finished. I have done this race probably 10 times...and I think this was the hottest it has ever been...or I am just getting old. :)

And on to the parade...

It was HOT (have I said that already)? :)

But both kids really enjoyed it! (You may notice Keatin has purple ear plugs in and looks a bit hesitant at first...last year she cried through the whole parade because of the big trucks and loud noises...so Josh shoved some ear plugs in her ears this year...and she really did a great job...but left those purple ear plugs in the whole time.) :)

They loved chasing after candy and waving at anyone who would wave to them.

And Jen took this picture as we walked back from the parade...and I just love it...2 buddies. :)

My kids L-O-V-E their Uncle Joey.

Even Will, my hesitant one.

I feel so lucky to have such a great family who loves my kids. Keatin and Will were ALL OVER Joey...and he never once turned them away. I could take some lessons from him on the tough parenting days. :)



Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. :)