all american day

For the past three years I have taken the children to my parent's home to celebrate the 4th of July, one of my favorite holidays. The neighborhood, which is built around a small private lake, organizes an old fashioned Independence Day event - from start to finish. This year was even more exciting because Yoder was able to join us as well as our close friends and their three children.

First thing on the itinerary is a fishing derby. Espen was able to join in this year and although he didn't win, his caught his very first fish and was extremely proud. Next was a hay stack hunt, followed by a sack race {Yoder and Oz swept the kids and adult race}, three legged race, egg relay and water balloon toss. The neighborhood event closed with a pot-luck BBQ, complete with hot dogs, potato salad and cotton candy. Yum!

So next we headed to Grandpa Bill and Grandma Jane's for some quality time on the beach and in the lake, more food, skydivers {that's right! Crazy Papa Bill and two of his wing men jumped over the lake and landed on the beach!}, naps, more fishing, more swimming and fireworks.

It was the best 4th yet. We hope to drag more family and friends into the mix next year!