Well we have made it through another successful holiday. I have always loved the holidays and more than that I have grown to appreciate the 4th of July. My father and several relatives served this country for several years and I feel that I am a very proud and patriotic person. Whenever the 4th draws near I am excited to see my family, go to the rodeo, and remember the sacrifices that so many men and women have made in my behalf. It seems more and more I realize what a beautiful place I live in and how lucky I am to raise my kids here.
I can remember when we were little kids going to the 4th of July breakfast in Woodland. I even remember being COLD at the breakfast. My mom and dad were usually putting on some type of a production and we had many friends and family there. My kids however will NEVER get that same experience because every 4th of July their mother is involved in a different production. We are washing cars, hooking up trailers, and doing hair all by 7:30 in the morning so there are no pancake and syrup memories for these girls.
This year Giselle and I had decided to run a 2 week dance camp right before the 4th so the dancers could be ready for the parade and participate but we would not have be committed to the whole summer of dance. It was a lot of fun but very exhausting at the same time. We taught 80 girls everyday from 9:30 am to 3:00 p.m. It turned out great and we once again filled up two trailers of girls for the parade and had some who were walking and performing. I love the 4th of July parade.
(Apparently Mia likes this pose)
Once the parade was over we headed to our house for a big BBQ. Olivia had requested gourmet hamburgers and I live to serve my guests. We had way to much food! But there is nothing better in my opinion that lots of family and lots of food. We sadly had to say good-bye to Aunt Giselle. She headed to the airport and the rest of us sat around and made some plans for the rest of the day. It went like this "Let's do something fun." Many people in agreement that we should go on a hike at Noblettes in the early evening, bathe the kids and get them in their PJ's, light off some fireworks, put the kids in bed and then the adults would have game night!
So we started on our hike to Noblettes. The scenery was breath taking and I was so full of joy to be in that very moment with my kids, my best friend/husband, and my siblings with me. We started up the trail. It was hard to let the kids run and explore the trail without being afraid they would fall or get hurt or even worse that a bear may come out of no where. However they kept up a good pace and got us going. As soon as I started up the trails I flashed back to the Butikofer reunion where I was attacked by mosquitos on a four wheeler trail. Sadly none of us had one ounce of bug spray with us and we were only able to get half way up before we decided the mosquitos had the upper hand. The dads and Mia and Noah stopped by a pond near the end to have a rock skipping competition. (Leave it to McNeils to turn everything into a competition!)
Once we returned home and bathed the kids it was time for the fireworks. A huge thanks to Uncle Rico for the patriotic music and fireworks. The kids loved it and Noah kept shouting Happy Birthday. (I think he knew it was the birthday of our nation) Mia managed to touch her back with the end of the sparkler. It didn't hurt her but somehow Ellie felt the pain vicariously from Mia (She is a bit of a drama queen). We were able to see all of the illegal fireworks all over the valley from my front porch. many people had made a trip up to Evanston, including our neighbors. Once the show ended and the kids were in bed I was expecting a fun night of games and friendly competition; I am still waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently too many babies keeping people up at night and now everyone turns into pumpkins by midnight. For the record as long as I was the one having babies and getting no sleep I STILL participated in game night! (Where is my trophy?)
Saturday and Sunday we spent with family as well. Olivia and Rick and Allen and Patrice were able to bless their sweet baby boys together and we had one more dinner before everyone jumped in their cars and headed back to their temporary homes. I can't wait until we all lives in our big community and the party NEVER ends!
10 comments:
It was so much fun being with you guys! You are the queen of party planning/throwing and it was awesome to be on the receiving end of it Can't wait till next time!
I was still craving another plate of Fiesta pasta salad when I left!!! You have definitely taken over mom's role as the party hostess and planner, and you do so well at it. I am always over fed anytime I leave your house, but oh, so happy. I miss you guys so much, and these pictures are making it worse. However, i don't know if Mom told you about my job that I'm almost positive I'll be doing, but it will definitely afford me some plane tickets up there--we'll just see how much time it give me. I wish I could have been there for nobletts, even with the bugs (you know I am somewhat immune to mosquitos, right?) and that I could have done sparklers with you all. It is so hard to want so badly to be in two places at once. I love you and miss you like crazy. Call me soon!
I would leave a comment, but I've turned into a pumpkin. You know me, I've always valued my sleep! Thanks again for the wonderful food, fun, and family times. We love being with you guys.
The scenery looks wonderful and the hike sounded fun--excepting the mosquitoes! Believe me -- it is always fun to be involved and the creating the excitement of holidays -- thanks for carrying on the tradition. The picture of Noah and Mia with him kissing her hand is priceless! The picture of Dad with the kids is also wonderful! Great holiday -- thanks!
Wow!! How Beautiful!!! The picture of Mia and the ripple in the water is AWESOME!! The whole post is great!! We miss you so much!! I wish we were closer!! I would love to get in on a night of adult gaming!! Thanks for commenting on my blog!! I don't get many( Maybe that will be an upcoming rant on my blog (stay tuned), but it is nice to know you read and get to see the pics!! Love Yyou All!!
Looks like you guys had a great weekend as well. I am sad that we weren't able to spend more time with you all. The holidays seem to go by way too fast and we never get to do everything that we would have like too! Fun pictures!
The girls in the parade looked great! I know Baylee was SO excited and absolutely loved it.
Also, your hike pictures are beautiful. It totally makes me want to go for a hike. I'll make sure to take bug spray now.
I love all the little poses Mia has in all of the pictures!
She is so cute.
Looks like a fun holiday for your whole family.
Thank you once again for allowing us to stay in Chateau de Butikofer. We loved it! I'll bet mom probably has dozens of pictures of you at Mia's age posing exactly like that. Evan was very bored when we got home and there weren't any little girls to hold him. We already miss you.
Okay, Billie!! Time for an update!! I have waited almost a month!! Love, love, love!! Tari
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