Fireworks on the beach

Love being out of Arizona because we can enjoy fireworks without melting.

We enjoyed lunch with Aunt Debbie and family, then headed out with Kehau and her family and some other friends. I love my minivan! We packed that thing full of supplies to have dinner and dessert, seating, bonfire, and beach toys. It was awesome - still had room for 6 of us comfortably!

Anyway - it was windy and chilly at night but it was beautiful to be able to play in the sand, the water if you're brave enough and enjoy the stash of fireworks Brandon had from last year and this year!

 awesome to be able to drive out on the beach and be right there.

Lucas spent his time, digging in the sand with all the sticks and sand toys we brought.

Brandon's got skills

Kehau has fiberglass in her pants

Lucas builds a sandcastle

Aubrey and Eva were a little cold... :)

absolutely breathtaking sunset

Kehau's friend and baby

Time for some fireworks:

pyro

This was Kehau's friend's father-in-law. He spoke very little English, but was so sweet to my little Mo and loved helping him with the sparklers.

had to shoot them off and count to make sure all blasts were released before turning towards everyone else.

Happy 4th of July! We had a bonfire watched the fireworks up and down the beach, then headed out.

4th of July!

In the past we've celebrated the 4th of July in Idaho Falls, here in Arizona (we do some things here - too dang hot, but it's always the day before or 2 days before.....weird. and NO fireworks). This year we being in Richland, naturally I thought we'd spend it with my family.......wrong. Sister and brother (not sure about the other 2) headed to Salt Lake and my parents went to Idaho?! What the craziness?! So with plenty of time and nowhere to go, I decided to go to Portland.....logical right? Called my BFF there and she loves me enough to just drop in with my 4 kids in tow and whomever I can get to join me. Turns out Aubrey was available. :) We went to the parade in Hillsboro with favorite Aunt Debbie, Jessie and her kids too. 

Note: sitting at the beginning of the parade is where all the treats are - people are still happy to be in the parade. :)

btw: it's not about the candy, treats, and fliers, it's a beautiful tribute to our War Vets, our free Country and all we get to have as citizens of this great country. I might tear up at every flag and Veteran that walked by - love this great nation.

 minor league baseball mascot - HOPS. 

 These next two 'floats/cars' cracked me up. politics.....sheesh

 aww, that's so nice.

BAM!

 hahaha!

 the over-enthusiastic and melting crowd - beautiful warm day (Jessie, Debbie, Aubrey)

 Mormon pioneers. :)

 something loud. :) Happy 4th of July!