4th of July Fun in Sundance

We have been going up to Cory's mom & dad's for the Fourth of July for years. I can't remember that we've missed one since we have been together, but maybe I'm wrong. I can remember the first time I went up to Sundance for the 4th--I simply couldn't believe that you could legally shoot off the INSANE fireworks that they did. I think that the state of Wyoming is pretty brave. At least once, there has been a fire ban and we haven't set off fireworks, but for the most part the crazy fireworks are part & parcel of the Sundance 4th trip.

Of course, this time around it's fair to give a few highlights:

• Water fun (and water fights) in Grandma & Papa's backyard
• Mosquito bites, and Grandma's subsequent first-aid to treat them
• Book reading by Papa
• Delicious food--lemon bars & strawberry rhubarb pie were my faves!
• New pillowcases for the girls (made by Grandma)
• Playing at the park & walking to and from
• For me & Cory--some walks together, including one around Devil's Tower
• Ruby announcing to everyone, "I'm a tooter"
• The girls' fort behind the lilac bushes
• Great-Grandma Marlene's visit & the glow-in-the-dark earrings she gave the girls
• Lots of "special drinks" for the girls--Shirley Temples & Root Beer Floats
• Fireworks with names like "Rain of Fire" and "Arctic Blast"

Eating popsicles in the shade

Hitting the pool

 

Ruby in her "boo-kini"

Ella and Ruby in the play area of the park

Addy climbing the ladder

Alan and Lexie sitting down for a moment

 Sundance allowed fireworks on July 3rd & July 4th--so, naturally, there were TWO opportunities for fireworks shows

Getting out their snaps!

 Here is a video of the snap action: http://youtu.be/4RFHgyAxOWw

Lexie & Margie watching the festivities

 THIS IS MY FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WHOLE WEEKEND>>>

So, I say, "Margie, let's take a selfie!"

And, "Cory, let's take a selfie" (Which I had to do quickly before he moved, since he hates selfies!)

And perhaps my favorite of all the selfies--Me & Alan

You can't quite see it in all its glory, but here lies the "Poopy Pooch"

 And in case you wanted to see MORE of the Poopy Pooch, well, watch this! and this also!

Once it got dark, it was time for the big show...

Me & Scout

Penny, Addy & Lacey

Ruby & Ella

Who is this turkey?

I'm with Happy & Sleepy!

I can't quite figure out how to capture the fireworks

The audience

It's loud!

Devil's Tower in the distance

Oh look, a friend on the trail!

So he says, "Just look at all this majesty!"

 And when we returned, we had another water fight!

Here are my facepainting victims...

Not exactly sure what they're doing...

Lexie & Ella

 And the glow-in-the-dark earrings...

 Then on the last night (the 5th)... we hung out on the deck and Papa even read to the girls while we were out.

The captive audience for "Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed"

Another wonderful visit with the fam for the 4th of July!