Our 4th of July!!

I love the 4th of July. It is my second favorite holiday next to Christmas. I love my country and I am so grateful for the men and women who fight for our freedom and the freedom of others. I love the feeling I get that day. What a wonderful opportunity for us to focus on our country for a day.

We did a lot on the 4th. I want to share.

First of all, I made a cake for the occasion, of course.

I am sporting my new apron my mother-in-law bought me. She knows I love our country's flag and so she got it for me. I made the cake wearing it.

Here is a close up of the cake.

We started our day off by going to my sister, Marion's house and having breakfast with the fam.

Then we headed down to the parade.

Here is Ayla in her 4th of July outfit. 

I love getting her an outfit for the 4th of July. I just love the 4th of July!

Ayla with Aunt Marion waiting for the parade to start.

My best friend, Melissa came and joined us.

Melissa and I always hang out on the 4th of July. It has become a tradition with us.

Ayla was given a red balloon. She loved it!

Aunt Marion getting Ayla up close and personal.

It rained a little. See the rain spots?

After the parade, we headed off to swim.

This is the Taylorsville Rec. Pool.

It is the funnest pool in the valley I think. I love it there. This was were I last swam 2 years ago to the day. 

This was Ayla's first time swimming. Don't you love her swim suite? Grandma and Grandpa Perry got it for her.

Me holding her hand guiding her more into the water.

She had a lot of fun with her Aunt Marion that day.

Playing in the water.

I had to get a picture with her on her first day of swimming.

After swimming we all had a BBQ at Marion's house. That is wear we ate the cake I made. I didn't get pictures of the BBQ. I was lazy. Oh well!!

After the BBQ, we headed down to the park to watch the fireworks. They had rides there but Ayla is still too little for most of them. We did take her down the giant slide though, and she loved it.

Lane, Kurt and Ayla waiting for the fireworks to start. 

This was Ayla's first time seeing a firework show. I didn't take her last year because she was so little and didn't like loud noises.

Bright light!

Here is my dad waiting for the fireworks and of course my brother is giving him bunny ears.

And here is my brother giving himself bunny ears.

I loved the firework show. This is always the time I reflect on those who serve our country. I always get emotional because I feel the fireworks are to honor those  great men and women. This year they had the song, "I'm Proud To Be An American" playing in the background. It was beautiful!

I am so grateful to live in a country were I am free!