Independence Day 2015

We had so much fun over the Fourth of July weekend in Mountain Home. We drove over to Mountain Home Thursday night and got there in time for the kids to go to bed. Friday morning we got ready for the day and then went to run some errands. We went to the store, bank and then to the fireworks store. The kids loved getting to pick out their own fireworks. Then it was home for lunch and naps. After naps we had an epic water war. There were water balloons and squirt guns. So fun.
We filled 75 water balloons and everyone gathered round. I love this picture of my Dad and the kids waiting for their water balloons. 

Nanny counted them down and the war was on. I love that all the kids ran after Uncle Joseph right away. 

Bailey kept attempting to throw hers at Papa, but he kept catching them. 

Tanner was pretty lethal. He was fearless and didn't care how soaked he was, he just kept coming. 

Bailey was less than accurate with her squirt gun, but she had so much fun. 

Then we grabbed some KFC and enjoyed a nice thunderstorm.  We could see it rolling in as we played. As soon as we finished our water war it started pouring on us. 

The next day was the 4th of July and it was so much fun. 

We did our traditional slip-n-slide and it was a blast.
Tanner is a pro at this point and loved it. 

It was Tucker's first time on the slip-n-slide but he was a big fan. 

Papa and Tanner had so much fun racing down the slip-n-slide. 

Then Nanny had the idea to pull the rope the other direction and have all the grand kids hold on. Lol. Only two grand kids actually made it down the slip-n-slide without letting go. 

Tanner wanted to go down once with Papa. 

Then they tried train style- Tanner held onto Papa while Uncle Joseph pulled them both. So funny. 

I took both Bailey and Tucker down the slip-n-slide on my lap. Bailey had fun but she would only do the slip-n-slide if I went with her. 

Tucker LOVED playing on the slip-n-slide. 

After playing outside for a couple hours we came in for dinner. 

We grilled burgers and hot dogs. Yum

Aren't these drinks cool? Red, white and blue drinks. 

Tucker really enjoyed the watermelon pops. 

Bailey and Nanny all ready to party. 

While we cleaned up from dinner, Tanner and Bailey went for a ride on the gator. This is Tanner's happy place. Actually Bailey loves it too. They are constantly asking to go for rides together. 

Then we did some fireworks. Here is our sassy little firework. 

Tanner was a pro at lighting the fuses for the firecrackers. He loved it!

Tucker however was not a fan of the loud noises. I had to keep his ears covered. 

He did enjoy his first firework though. Little cutie!

And these two loved doing sparklers and roman candles. 

A few family pics. 

Tucker walking around with Uncle Joseph after the kid fireworks and before he went to bed. 

My big pyro boy. 

After we finished all the kid fireworks, Papa and Tanner made a pile of the leftover cardboard pieces and set it on fire. I think they enjoyed this part a little too much. 

Then I put Tucker to bed because he was up way too late and afterwards we did the big fireworks.
Tanner helped Dad and Papa light them. I love this picture of Tanner's face as he watches the fireworks overhead. 

and my favorite- a quiet colorful carport firework. 

Anyways, we went to church the next day, played at Uncle Joseph's house and had a delicious dinner together before driving back home. It was a great weekend and we had so much fun!

We are so blessed to live in a country where we can enjoy so many freedoms.
God bless America!