Fourth of July Festivities

This year to celebrate our nation's birthday, the entire Burk clan (minus Dr. Spence) headed to the local Kaysville parade. After collecting strollers, coolers, umbrellas, and other various parade paraphernalia, we headed out the door. I thought it was a bit unusual to pack so much food and water for an event that would last a mere twenty minutes. We got there and it quickly became apparent that my idea of parades was loosely based on the parades I went to growing up. You know, the kinda that are over in about fifteen minutes. Needless to say, these Davis county folks are pretty serious when it comes to their parades. We were there for over a hour and a half before the kids (and even some of the adults) got tired and cranky. When we left, the parade was still going on, and we actually had to walk through the middle of the parade to get back to the cars.

As you can see our normal happy go lucky little boy, was extremely annoyed with the whole thing and wanted to enjoy a nice bottle of cool milk while in the comfort of and air conditioned house. Bryn really did not know what to make of the whole event but was more than happy to eat treats and sip on her ice water. She received many compliments on her festive blue skirt with white stars that Grandma Steph bought specifically for the occasion. Of all the things that were tossed her way, Bryn's favorites were some Mardi Gras necklaces and a political voting sign which she insisted on carrying around for the rest of the morning. She liked the candy, but only if Grandma Charlene or I would pick it up for her. The thought of going out there and socializing with other children merely for the sake of candy was clearly beneath her. Little scamp. 

Immediately following the parade, a few of us decided to hit the nearest pool to cool off. Nate and Hudson relaxed in the air conditioned house along with Papa and Neal while everyone else went for a little swimming and sun bathing. Miss Bryn had the time of her life playing basketball with Grandma and practicing her swimming skills. At one point she decided that it would be a good idea to do a back flip off her floatation device. Grandma was right there and pulled the first thing she could grab which happened to be Bryn's leg. Bryn came out of the water wiping the water from her eyes with a surprised look on her face. She was about to cry until I said, "Yea Bryn!!!" Scott caught on and quickly added, "You were great!" Then a big smile broke out on her face you would think that she had just won the gold medal for synchronized swimming. 

The boys, who seem permanently stuck in adolescence, took it upon themselves to let of a few fireworks. I'm pretty sure there are still some parachute guys stuck on the neighbors' roofs. And of course the boys had to throw those little poppers at each others legs and backs. After a delicious BBQ and homemade ice-cream with raspberries, we went out to the golf course for the main event. We were only out there for about three minutes before mosquitos started feasting on me. I took the kids inside for baths and bedtime because I knew that once the loud booms started, Brynlee would want to leave anyways. Nate however got some great pictures and was able to enjoy the fireworks.

This is how Miss B looked the next morning. All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready for her next adventure!