We had a swingin' good time....

...how 'bout you? We have some pretty intense family time each 4th of July holiday that starts out in Pine Valley for those that wish to participate and ends up at my mom's and seems to get bigger every year. A few blogs ago I mentioned wishing I could find a "Stars Hollow" and I have come to realize that most of our traditions are pretty much "small town USA" and something I've come to look forward to...not so much for the celebration itself, but for the "family time" it is. These are so much the "same" every year, I can't imagine missing them and I feel for those that have to miss them and I need them to know they are missed. Spencer, Traci and Fam and Mason and Fam; you were missed and I hope you were celebrating in fine fashion and missing us just a tad bit. The years just seem to zip by so quickly; when the 4th rolls around,we get our chairs out early so cars can't park and ruin our "almost front row" view of the fireworks from Mom's street. The Allred's across the street have been doing this as long as we have and I enjoy walking over and greeting them each and every year. As I did it this year, it really seemed like it was only yesterday that I had done it.....and....speaking of the year "zipping" right by........we actually did start out this year's celebration by trying out Mark's new zip line in Pine Valley.

Drew was one of the first to buckle up and since those dang thangs were so hard to get on and off, each kid got to go three times before handing over the harness......

He and George could have done it all day long if we would have let them. What a kids paradise.

Sweet Laynee Jane takes her turn as the rest watch and wait theirs.

Little Miss Emily Jo enjoyed a run with the boys taunting her from below. You can kinda get an idea of the height on this thing. It aint no sissy zip line....if ya ask me....

....and might I add here; have you ever seen bluer blues or greener greens? Ye ha.......
The little ones even braved a turn but this line was only finished yesterday and Seth was the first kid under 9 years old to try it. He only had to do it once but he did it and he was proud (and brave). Way to go Sether.....you da man!!!!

But the day belonged to Evan....all time youngest to harness up so far. He was quite proud of himself to say the least.

D'ya think we could get this thing automated by the 24th of July?????? C'mon......

Meanwhile, back at the cabin....

....the lawn needs a mowin'......

.....the kids are a hikin'.....

...and doing a little posin' on the rock on Taco Flat.

Drew and George enjoying a little sling shot time while Emily and I tag along.

....and some kids are a jumpin'....in this 10 year old jumpy castle that has certainly seen it's day but keeps pluggin' along lettin' the kids have a good ol' time.

...and the baby needs a feedin' and James is happy to comply, practicing his fatherly skills.

Then back down the road to get ready for the fireworks. After a little pizza and pop, sheet cake and ice cream, we stake out our seats and get ready for the production.....

Nothin' changes much....it just gets better every year.

All good things must come to an end; but not before a few pyros take to the back yard for a little sparkler fun. Seth is wishing for a sweeter smelling sparkler but other than that, no unpleasantries here. We came out of this holiday with a sliver or two, a smashed toe or three from the teeter totter but mostly I think it would be safe to say, a good time was had by all.

See ya next year....same time....same place.

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A few pics from Laynee's fun pool party last Wednesday. Shana rented the hydrotube for Laynee's 11th birthday.

We had a great time with Spencer, Shana and the crew in town for a while. I hope this year truly "zips" by and we will be ever so ready to have them head out west. Happy travels gang...it's been a lot of fun.