Baak Talk: 4th Fun starts July off with a BANG!!

I LOVE the 4th of July. I am extremely patriotic. I know that this country was established by the hand of God and set aside as a foundation from where the Lord could restore his church. Many brave men and women have put their lives on the line to make this a land of freedom. this is one of my very favorite pictures. Everytime I look at it it brings tears to my eyes. I know that men like George Washington, were called of God and sent to earth at that specific time to help bring forth the Lord's work.

We had established strong July 4th traditions in H.B. Our incredibly talented Stake put on a 4th of July production every year that was truly an amazing and inspiring way to start the 4th. We'd then have friends over for a soccer or kick ball game at the park. Back to our house for a BBQ and then fireworks in the street and the big finale ones at the Pier. I was so sad that we were going to be missing out on our 10 year traditional way of celebrating.

Fortunately, we were able to coax our dear friends the Ritters, who thankfully brought miss Renee for us and the Arnolds out to visit us for a day of swimming, relaxing and enjoying one another's company:

Kierstin, Renee and Alex enjoying the day!

Jeff, determined to get those hips a turning!

Alex, so patriotic!

Junebug torture!

1st started with, Brian & Sophie, "Look I caught one!" to

big brothers putting them down shirts!

(poor junebugs!)

the big brother mischief makers

Nathan, Bradley & Matt

(yes, Mat's hand is wrapped from almost tearing off the tip of his ring finger

a few days before!!)

Fireworks weren't as great this year. The city of Murrieta has their big shabang the weekend before to celebrate the city's birthday and we weren't sure how sticky the city would be about doing it ourselves but we did set off a few.

Pool fun in the earlier afternoon:

Jeff decided to take advantage of the moment! Sophie's such a good sport!

In H.B., Brian had mostly guy friends, except for Sophie. Other girls have offered time and again the play with Brian. When I ask him why he doesn't want to play with them he'll say,

"they're girls and I don't want to play girl stuff!"

When I pointed out Sophie was a girl and he loves to play with her he said;

"well mom, she's SHOPHIE!!"

They play so great together. Sorry guys, we have an arranged marriage in the works for Sophie and Brian!