Celebrating the Independent Spirit

We moved into the second half of the year with Independence Day celebrations and time spent soaking up the sun.  

Hallie took Diamond back to the airport and back up to BYU-I, where she is facing intense trials with her roommates. We enjoyed having her at home and know that she will get through this experience stronger for having endured it. It’s tough seeing her struggle and feel like we have limited power to change the situation though. On the way to the airport, they stopped by the Fry's Electronics with the Alice in Wonderland theme. Landon characteristically found a way to keep himself entertained. 

We have settled into new work and activity routines. The kids enjoy getting their wiggles out. Landon learned how to do a front hand spring on a trampoline at gymnastics (both one- and two-handed).

The stool is just for showing off purposes. 

We got Fergus implanted with a microchip. Not that we’ll be letting him out, but we wanted to be sure just in case he did get out.

It's certainly not for a lack of trying. 

The kids showed off other talents and skills over the week. Eliza tells stories with her art. 

She even made Mike a story book. 

Landon continued honing his culinary skills.

Egg cooked just as he likes it, all by himself! 

 And of course, they continue their mastery of The Brick.

On Friday, our friend Jenny came to visit. 

The kids showed off all their enthusiasm and talents for her.

Just another ordinary movie night at home. 

Hallie went with Grandma O. and Ali to Moxie to get their hair done.

Such a cutie! 

We celebrated the 4th of July Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast down at the church. We really appreciated the remarks the speakers gave at the breakfast. We, the people of the United States, are responsible for securing our own liberty and for maintaining it, not relying on others to do it for us. We need to remember and stand fast in those freedoms our ancestors fought to provide for us.  

We supplemented our lunch of chili cheese dogs with our first cucumber from the garden. Woo hoo!

In the afternoon and evening we went to the Growing Grounds tree farm for tri tip barbecue and fireworks!

Not to mention piles of mulch, compost, and sand . . .

and rocks right next to the freeway off ramp to play on. Good clean fun! 

The rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air (you get the picture) . . .

. . . all with the boy as conductor. Thanks, Landon! 

Eliza gave a talk on the how by the power of the holy ghost, we may know the truth of all things.

In the afternoon, they shot firecrackers in the backyard.

Captain Awesome and Lady Luck: Guardians of the Independent Spirit