The Fourth of July

We decided to drive up to Utah for the 4th of July. We got there the afternoon of the 3rd, just in time to play and relax for a bit before the children's parade. My mom found a bike at the DI for $5. It's the size above what Willa normally rides, so we had to practice on it a bit first. She ended up riding it just fine, but her feet couldn't quite touch the ground when she was sitting on the seat, so it made it tricky to start and stop. This proved pretty stressful for her riding in a crowded parade where other kids were coming close or sometimes cutting her off. Still, it was fun to decorate her bike, do the parade, and get a Pace's Dairy Ann Popsicle after. She was maybe only a little scarred from it all. 

The Thalmans were visiting family in Utah too, so they decided to join us on the 4th. They drove up for the Fun Run that morning. They were running a little late so they dropped the kids off in a flurry at my mom's and then we rushed to get to the start of the race. We made it with about three minutes to spare! It was one of the most fun Fun Runs in recent memory. Ryan ran alone and got 5th overall, Robert and Kim's sister ran together, and then Kim and I brought up the caboose together. We were please with ourselves for running the whole thing and getting under 35 minutes, we are pretty pathetic but it was fun to be together.

After the race we rushed home to speedily shower and the make it back to the parade. It was so fun to be together at the parade. Willa and June had the best time with Bridgett and Abby. Willa was much braver this year and June, of course, showed very little fear and often ran into the street for candy. She loves to tell people about the parade and how they "give me treats".

Believe me, they were having a great time. 

My dad marched with the pipe band again and it was fun to cheer for him, even though they didn't play while they were in front of us! It was one of the better parades in recent memory and a great small town 4th of July. After, we all went back to the pho use and played for a few hours until the Thalmans had to leave. A great day!