Let freedom ring!!

I know I had already been away from my family for 2 weeks and I really really missed them, but I think the toll finally caught up with me. When Chris said we were going camping over the 4th of July weekend I felt completely overwhelmed and exausted just thinking about it. I begged him to just let me stay home with Carson and enjoy peace and quiet and get caught up on some MUCH needed sleep. After reluctantly agreeing {he loves me and doesn't like missing me :)} He left with our other kiddos and went camping with his parents.

Let me just tell you something....

Woohoo!!!

I really needed that break at home.

To top it off-- it RAINED!

Carson was down for a nap and it started to sprinkle so I went outside to enjoy the sweet July cool down. The more I jumped the harder it rained.

I don't think I have ever jumped so high...or sung so loud without any music. It was just the break I needed.

4th of July!

Our Fourth consisted of:

Relaxing in our own made up oasis.

Ellie posing in every picture and changing into 4 different swimsuits in 1 hour.

Me looking more and more unattractive as the day progressed. First, there was me "trying" to be helpful all while wanting to swear over the blazing heat and the heavy camping chairs (they are unexpectedly heavier in 116 degrees). Second, forgetting to button up my pants (although, Chris says it's more of a turn on). And third, me in a bikini without any mumu type covering. It's quite a sight.

The funnest part of our 4th was trying to convince Taylor that she wasn't going to die if we waited until AFTER dinner to go get Krispy Kreme donuts!!! She didn't believe us, but surprisingly she survived.

We decided to skip going to any fireworks and be happy with the one's we could see from our house. Turned out to be a good call since none of our kids seemed to care. And when we did start seeing some fireworks, Peyton ended up being terrified!

It was funny/sad.

Oh, and we had a BBQ like everyone else in America!

Unexpected Surprises...

For the 4th we headed up to Payson, Arizona to watch the fireworks in cooler weather. The drive was pleasant. Taylor had been sick and still not feeling that well, but we decided to go anyway.

On our way up...







Taylor slept.




Preston was excited.








Ellie made funny faces.

Peyton was happy.

When we got there we stopped at Chili's for dinner. When we got into the restaurant we gave them our name and told them for how many. We were with my brother in law and his family. Then Peyton promptly threw up all down the front of Chris. I stood there in shock and gave a little laugh.

We decided it was time to leave before we had anymore fun.

On our way home...

Preston through a fit since we couldn't stay.

Ellie made more funny faces.

Taylor and Peyton complained of not feeling good. Then Peyton barfed all over himself.




Then fell fast asleep.

Chris drove us safely home in his new shirt from Walmart.

sidenote: We have NEVER been able to drive thru Payson and NOT stop at Walmart and buy at least one item of clothing. When we go camping, we either forget to bring a sweater for someone or socks or shoes. It's an amazing thing that just happens to us.

When we got home I bathed Peyton, and of course Ellie had to jump in. Meanwhile, Chris got out some sparklers and other firworks that I don't know the names of.

The kids had a blast. Taylor and Peyton miraculously recovered and acted as though nothing ever happened. Motrin is a wonderful thing!

Ellie wanted NOTHING to do with it.

Our neighbors came out and joined our illegal fun and I actually thought to have them take a family photo!

THE END!