A Banging Good Time

This is going to be a long post. So if you only have a few minutes, you might want to come back when you have more time. Or you may want to settle in with a good snack in hand. I apologize for the length...this is what happens when you attend the most amazing party ever.

This is my fourth July 4th here in Washington and I'm still amazed at the level of celebration and fun that goes on...not to mention the big fireworks that you are allowed to do in your own backyard.

The day started with the usual Ward pancake breakfast. That is always a fun event. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but I totally made up for it at the party that night.

The Jackson's hosted again this year and they totally outdid themselves. We arrived and were immediately greeted by these adorable puppies born 4 weeks ago. The kids were in heaven.

This year there was also the addition of a bounce house. Can't go wrong there...

And there was badminton...

and volleyball...

For the little kids there was face painting, a fishing pond, cars, and croquet.

My personal favorite was ping-pong. We got a good game of "Around-the-World" going.

The following is a quick video of a portion of one of the games.

I think this next picture says it all about the fun I was having.

I really can't say that ping-pong was my favorite. The best was the people...tons and tons of GREAT people. They estimated about 150.

Oh, and we had tons of great food too!

There was even some dancing.The youth doing one of the chant dances from the recent Dance Festival.

And of course, to end it all was the fireworks. They started first with the little kids doing sparklers. It got smokey quick.

They were followed by the teenagers who got to light a few. Followed by the big ones!

Aaron going back in to light one that didn't fully light while others were blasting off. Men!

We are really appreciative of the Jackson's for allowing us all to overtake there backyard and for organizing all the entertainment and providing so much of the food and such. They even added a DJ this year which really added to the ambiance of the greatest American birthday bash!

Sorry Becky that we didn't get a better photo but we couldn't leave you out. You both are truly amazing and we are so blessed to have you in our ward and as our friends.It is hard to follow up the great day we had on July 3rd. So I thought I'd make July 4th (being on a Sunday) more special by sewing patriotic Sunday clothes. It was fun to do!

Going to church on July 4th was special. Singing our patriotic hymns and hearing testimony on the brave who serve our country was a nice touch.

Happy July 4th everyone!