Independence Day ~

Uncle Matt's annual Independence Day celebration is always eagerly anticipated by the kiddos.  The questions abound in the weeks prior....Is Uncle Matt having games?  What games will we be playing?  Do you think he'll have prizes?  Will he be taking us skiing?  Do you think we can paddleboard?  Will I be able to learn how to water ski this year?....and the most important question of all....WHAT DO YOU THINK UNCLE MATT WILL MAKE FOR LUNCH?

We typically float the Jefferson River which borders Matt's property, arriving just in time to eat a big lunch that he and Auntie Carolyn have prepared.  Then, there's games and water skiing.  We arrive home barely able to stay up to go to a neighbor's for fireworks and maybe just a wee bit sun burned.

Despite the day being crazy and wild, we still remember WHY we are celebrating.  First, we remember the sacrifices that our forefathers made for great nation.  But we also remember Theresa on her birthday with our time of simple family togetherness.

Thank you, Uncle Matt, for planning this every year!      

Painting our patriotic t-shirts ~  

Bridge jumping ~ Shannon has all our children quite comfortable in the water,

who, in turn, encourage their cousins!

A few of the little boys had the first turn in the giant tube....I mean couch.

Sand castle building contest ~

Uncle Matt imparting some tidbit of wisdom ~ 

Totally pooped, waiting for fireworks to begin ~