We had a crazy fun fourth of july celebration this year...just like always, fun with family. I am so thankful for a family that gets together and enjoys each other, and has so much fun together. I am super thankful that we can have all of that fun right here at home without having to travel to public parades and fireworks...BLECH! I can't stand crowds...and I just can't imagine a worse way to spend a holiday than fighting traffic and people. Thank goodness for a family that puts together our own country celebration! Heres a look at our fun day...
A few portraits (you know me...)
There were two new attractions at our fourth festivities this year...
The barrel train...it was a big hit...the kids are so grateful for Uncle Paul (and David) for building it...there were train rides throughout the day...
The second new attraction, was one that is quite possibly the most redneckish, but totally fun, none the less...the guys have recently decided to start moding and racing lawn mowers as a family event...we got our first peek at the mowers, and the stylish hats. Paul and David bought these hats at Army Surplus...and since they wouldn't stay on their heads while driving fast, they decided to be silly and duct tape them on...
In a sport so intense, there are quite often catastrophic breakdowns, and they need a little help getting the mowers back to the shop...
And Lily, well lets just say that she was way too interested in the whole lawn mower racing thing. We think she is going to be the offical pit girl. Uncle Paul even took her for a little ride...
homemade ice cream...
water balloon fights...
yummy dutch oven dinner (can you believe i didn't take any pics of the dutch oven?)
playing with cousins...
swimming...
and of course, slip and sliding...
the candy guesssing game...
and fireworks. I stopped at dusk and put the camera away to enjoy the big fireworks. Our family puts on a pretty good fireworks show.
great photos Sherelle! you all had a lot of fun!
Posted by: Claudia | July 05, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Beautiful pictures!!! What happened to Lily's head, it looks painful!? Happy 4th to you and yours.
Posted by: jackie | July 05, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I was wondering about Lily's head too. Cute pictures as always, I love how your pictures tell a story. Looks like you had a lot of fun, amen to the crowds.
Posted by: Colette | July 05, 2009 at 08:22 PM
I would LOVE to participate in your family 4th celebration/activities. What fun!!! Your pictures always amaze me. They tell your story! I love, love, LOVE the last picture of your Russell over the camp fire.
God Bless!!
Posted by: Christine Hicks | July 05, 2009 at 09:19 PM
love this last photo! looks like you had a wonderful holiday.
Posted by: Megan Mill | July 05, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Can I come to your house next time? :) My husband REALLY wants to do the lawnmower thing. He has one saved. Too funny! I love all your pictures!!
Posted by: Julie M. | July 05, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I love all your pictures, I was just admiring your homemade train on facebook... too clever!! Question for you, what is the white layer in your red/white/blue layered jello (I'm assuming it's jello :D)
Tell Tawsha she looks AMAZING for just having a baby!!
Posted by: Amy W. | July 05, 2009 at 11:14 PM
I so enjoy all of your holiday festivities!! I love that you REALLY get into the holidays!! I enjoy them so much too! Happy Belated Fourth! LOVE all your cute pics!!
Posted by: JeanneP | July 06, 2009 at 04:05 AM
What a BEAUTIFUL family thanks so much for sharing those wonderful pictures !
Posted by: Valerie | July 06, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Looks like you all had a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing yur pictures :)
Posted by: Michelle E | July 06, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Your 4th of July post is one of my favorites, I look forward to it every year. You have an amazing family.
Posted by: Lettie | July 06, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I can't imagine a better 4th! I dread crowds as well so we had a fun quite day here too, but I would have joined your family any day. Looks like it was a blast!
Posted by: Missy | July 06, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Hi! You do not know me, but I think your blog is fantastic. Loved the 4th of July t-shirts. Would love to have the recipe for the red, white, blue jello! Thanks, Kelleyn
Posted by: kelleyn | July 06, 2009 at 01:01 PM
looks like you had a great fourth. i love the girl's shirts and i have to say my favorite picture is the one of russell and the sparkler.
Posted by: Tammy Dixon | July 06, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Wow, Levi and Cher invited us to come and it looks like you had an amazing time! My kids would have loved it. Maybe next year! We just couldn't miss my cousin's 12th b-day.
By the way, your ideas and pics are so fun!
Posted by: Kami Jensen | July 06, 2009 at 06:19 PM
You look like you all had a great time. There simply is NO better way to spend a holiday such as the 4th of July than with family and friends. I love to see your portraits. Personally, I wouldn't feel half as much at home here if you didn't put them up!! So I look forward to them. Keep them coming and tell Grace that I miss her posting on her blog.
Ali in Ireland
http://www.ali-soapboxcentral.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Alison Behan | July 06, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Beautiful photos. I love seeing how you celebrate holidays. Makes me long for rural living!
Posted by: Maria Hanson | July 07, 2009 at 10:39 AM
You are blessed. I would also like the receipe for the red, white and blue jello.
Posted by: debbi | July 07, 2009 at 12:24 PM
thank you for taking time to post to your blog. I love seeing all the fun family photos. Your photos show a family that loves hard and plays hard, its inspiring. Did I see a boxer puppy in these latest pics? We have boxers too.
i love how the kittens are growing up.
Sorry about your strawberry patch.
Posted by: Kristi Ottmar | July 09, 2009 at 11:46 AM
What a BEAUTIFUL 4th of July you had! Thanks for sharing. I'd love to know about the candy guessing game. My children and their cousins would really love it, I'm sure!
Posted by: knmkendall | July 12, 2009 at 01:19 AM
I love the barrel train..soo cute..
Posted by: azah | July 14, 2009 at 01:50 AM