Fourth of July 2009

Happy Independence Day!

Since the Fourth fell on a Saturday this year, Bryon got Friday off, and we made a weekend of it, camping in Midway at Bryon's grandparents' house. It was the first real camping trip for Jacob (we took him backpacking with us when he was an infant, but he was more of an accessory rather than a participant. This time, it was all about him.)

We started by helping to feed Grandpa's cows.

Jacob's look says it all: "Wow! Cows!"

While Leila napped, we hiked to the top of Memorial Hill, across the street from our "campsite."

Jacob walked up by himself pretty much the whole way, holding a sucker most of the time. He's got priorities.

We made it!

Check out that view! Midway is so beautiful.

Jacob taking the easy way down.

We had some downtime in the afternoon, and Grandma introduced Jacob to one of Bryon's favorite childhood games: Uncle Wigglebottom. (Okay, I could be wrong on that name). Anyway, it involved lots of counting, and Jacob loved it.

Later that day we drove down Provo Canyon to Vivian Park and Bridal Veil Falls. Bryon dropped me off at the bottom so I could run the Provo River Parkway with my sister.

In the evening, everyone roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for dinner.

Yeah, I think Jacob liked the marshmallows.

This was our campsite in Bryon's grandparents' yard. A firepit, picnic table, and plenty of shade. It was perfect!

Our 4th of July morning started off not-so-wonderfully when the town shot cannons off at sunrise (around 6 AM). Jacob slept through the first 12 blasts or so, but eventually woke up and then woke Leila up. There was no getting them back to sleep, so we got up and went to the town celebration where we heard singing and listened to a speaker. We sang the national anthem and then had a pancake breakfast. Considering Jacob had been up for two hours by that time, he was pretty hungry. But, I guess you can't really expect to sleep in when you're camping with little kids. It was a fun way to start the day.

After breakfast we went for a family bike ride/run. Jacob got out of the bike trailer to join me for about a block. He was pretty proud of himself for running faster than Mommy.

We went to the Dairy Keen in Heber for lunch. Jacob loved the trains. He was so wiped out, though, that he was practically falling asleep while eating his ice cream cone on the way back to the car. He slept all afternoon.

In the evening we had a big family get together in Midway. Bryon's brother, Adam (second from left) just got back from his mission to the Philippines, so it was fun to have him there.

Leila and Grandpa Clegg. She wouldn't keep her cute 4th of July bow on.

I'm being patriotic, even without the red, white, and blue.

Jacob and Leila in cute flag shirts, courtesy of Grandma Carol.

The Poulter grandkids. Leila wasn't digging this photo session.

Jacob and Ambree. They're just so happy.

Watching fireworks. Jacob was still a little intimidated by the real deal. (Last year he was terrified, so we're making progress.)

The next day, Sunday, we went up to Brigham for a family get-together with the Nyes. My sister, Doreen, made this awesome pinata. Note that Jacob is peeking. He didn't really get the whole pinata concept. Oh well, at least he got the candy.