4th of July 2015!

After much debating, we decided to give the parade one more try this year. We attended a flag raising ceremony and breakfast put on by our ward, then sat down in our seats to wait for the parade. I chose a new place this year and it worked out really well. NO ONE stood in front of us! Of course, we were further up from the park and right in the sun. Luckily, no one was behind us either, so I could have my umbrella up the whole time. Not one burn! Here's some pictures of the parade:

This is our bagpipe brigade.

This is a giant shopping cart car.

 After we got home from the parade, the kiddos divvied up the candy:

 Cooper's pile is MUCH larger because Amelia couldn't eat most of the candy thrown. Cooper was gracious enough to take it off her hands.

After two of us took naps, we headed to the rodeo. It's the first year we've gone, and I'd love to make it a tradition. Amelia agrees, but Cooper isn't QUITE as sure. He loved the herding dogs during the mini bull riding, but wasn't impressed with the rest of the competitions. Part of the time he was trying to process the fact Uncle Ben used to ride bulls.

 It's difficult to take pictures of a rodeo, because everything moves so fast! Here's a quick on of the bareback broncs, after the cowboy fell off.

Ben, Kim, Matthew, and Conagher were also there. Things got a little crazy for a bit.....

After the rodeo was over, we stayed for a firework show. It was a fun night, and overall I think the kids really liked it. Hopefully we can do it again next year!