4th of July in Arizona

I love the 4th of July - I love the fireworks, I love the barbeques, I love it all. Living in Arizona, it just wasn't the same this year. We couldn't even have sparklers, understandably so with all the fires in the area, but I just miss going to the firework tents and loading up on explodable goodies, and I miss sitting under the stars watching the sky light up. I know, I know, it's not just about the fireworks - I do love why we celebrate this day (I promise!) - but the other stuff is just so darn FUN! :) I have so many wonderful memories of my dad blasting apples with firecrackers in our backyard when we were young and going to Goddard to watch the fireworks each year with my family, and I want all of this for my kids, too. I keep reminding myself, they will have different 4th of July memories than mine, different, but still memorable - like the Benson parade we attend each year on the morning of the 4th, and the water fight with the local firefighters in the Benson park, and the barbeques with friends and their kids. And you know me, I also had to throw in a 4th of July craft and an America puzzle (which Carson has done about a million times this past week!) He loves the fact that the capital of Nevada is Carson City. He's so proud, (like he named it or something, hah), but I think it's secretly because he has something Owen doesn't have because I overheard him tell his little brother the other day, "Sorry, there is no Owen City. Just a Carson City."

Our "Salt-Absorbing Fireworks" craft, from one of my favorite blogs, I Can Teach My Child. We made glitter fireworks, too.

My crafty little boy!

This is what happens when mommy looks away for too long. Someone gets a hold of the glitter and dumps it everywhere. I think I am STILL cleaning up glitter around the house!

Owen trying to sweet talk me into not being mad. :) Since the mess was already done, I just let him go at it for a while.

Grumpy Carson before the parade.

I think he's finally awake!

Me and my O!

He stole Carson's chair. One thing I have learned - they automatically want what the other brother has - no matter what it is! The joy of siblings! :)

So happy!



My sweet boy waving at the firefighters and police officers. I love Ethan's face (Owen's friend) in the background, too.

I'm sure Carson is thinking, "Hurry up and take the picture so I can go get more candy!"

Jason, Carson and his friend, Tyson, watching the parade.

Water fight in the park. I didn't notice Owen was in the picture until I uploaded it to the computer. He looks so tiny! And cute! :)

Soaking wet!



We hope all our friends and family had a fun and safe 4th of July weekend!