July 4th Celebrations

July 4th was spent as always up in Heber, AZ at grandma & papa's cabin. This year we had a smaller group. Just the Macdonald's, Grandma & Papa & the Merrill's along with cousin Allie attended. All the kids got along great. They played and played. Enjoying the great weather. On Saturday, July 3rd we all went down to the Heber parade....along with everyone else that was on the mountain! It was a great experience.

Here are a few of the kids hanging out in the shade waiting for the parade to start. We had to go down 3 hours early just to get a small spot on the side of the highway. Then we had to go to our spot an hour before the start time to secure the spot and park our cars before the highway was shut down. It was nuts! Waiting for the parade to start. From left to right, Uncle Sean, Allie, Tatum, Aaron, & Dusty.From left to right, Back row, Papa, Aunt Christine, Grandma, & Joe

Front row, Aaron, Dusty, Garrett, Jacob, Tyler & Jared

Here is what the highway looked like. This is facing west.

Facing east toward Show Low.

One of our favorites in the parade. A guy with a snake on

his neck!Jared's reaction to all the loud noises of the parade. Car horns, engines, etc. He does not like loud noises!

On Sunday, July 4th we took our boys to the Willow Springs Lake to get out of the cabin for a couple of hours. This lake is smaller than Woods Canyon Lake, but still a fun adventure for the boys.

Tyler and Aaron on a rock.

Tyler & Jared

Jacob, Jared & Tyler on our hike around the lake.

Tyler inside a fort we found.

Enjoying the water. There were people fishing everywhere so we really couldn't throw rocks. Bummer for the boys. They love to throw rocks in the water.

Jared took the liberty to throw a few small things, whenever Dad wasn't paying attention. I believe Joe is dreaming of a canoe about now. Someday.....

There is nothing like fireworks in the cool pines. Heber always has a great show. We took our jackets and glow sticks and enjoyed homemade ice cream in our favorite spot. Galen and his new wife Julia came over to have dinner with us and enjoy the show, too. Of course,

every year I say I'll take pictures of us at our favorite fireworks viewing spot, and every year I forget to get out the camera. Oh well, next year!?!