4th of July

For the 4th of July we split the holiday and spent some time with both our families. First we picked up Rand's cousin Mackenzie from tennis camp at BYU. She is one of the funniest girls (and one of the happiest!) We love when she comes to town. We picked up my little brother Kevin, who was in town, and headed up to West Valley to Rand's parents. We had a delicious BBQ dinner and then headed out back for the annual 4th of July yard games. We chose bocce ball and taught Kevin and Mackenzie how to play.

Beginners luck: Mackenzie won!

After this, Mackenzie was dropped off at the airport to head home. We chilled and talked with Rands parent for awhile. How we didn't get any pictures is beyond me (I think we were kind of in a rush that night to get Mackenzie to the airport and just didn't think about it.)

We headed to my brothers after this to watch fireworks with the kids. Unfortunately we got there a little late and most of it was over and Trevor was already in bed! Oh well.

Ellie and I chilled together and watched the town fireworks with the Brian, Em and the neighbors. Rand and Kevin got bored and headed in for some Wii.

While watching the fireworks Ellie asked me when she could come have a sleepover. We decided that night would be a good one. She packed up her stuff and she and Kevin came to stay with us. She wanted to get in the lovesac and watch High School Musical. Since it was about midnight when we started it, she didn't last long. But she did outlast Rand (he was out as soon as we walked in the door!)

The next morning I was getting breakfast ready and she cam walking out looking like this!

Once we tamed her hair she helped with breakfast.

When Rand got home from his 7am work shift, we all headed out for a hike up to Stewart Falls. Ellie did so well on this hike, especially for a 5-year old. She even occasionally took the lead.

I think it was good training for when Rand and I have kids...the hike took us twice as long with such little legs on the hike!

It was a gorgeous day!

Ellie wasn't afraid of anything. She crossed the logs to the other side without flinching and would try to take off across them without me.

Love this picture! She did such a good job!

We did so well on the hike without any major spills. Ellie tripped acouple times, but nothing bad. We were literally about 50 feet from the parking lot when she tripped on a rock and hit the ground. She scrapped up her knee and tears started flowing. I knew the whole hike had gone too smoothly! But she was tough and shook it off. By the end of the trip her cute little face showed the traces of a fun hike!