4th of July with the Herbs

We had the best time with the Herbs yesterday for the fourth of July. Phillip, Stephanie and their kiddos flew in on Sunday, July 3rd and they got in around bedtime and we basically chatted for a bit and then got into bed. 

But Monday morning dawned bright and early and we played all day. 

While the adults were attempting to get ready for the day and clean up the mess from breakfast, the kids pulled out "pie face" and started playing. It was pretty fun to watch. 

 

 

After that we drove down to Prairie Grove Battleground to watch their patriotic celebration. 
It was pretty cool. They had civil war reenactors there in full uniform. There was a reading from the declaration of independence. Some one played the National anthem on his trumpet and then they fired some canons. It was pretty awesome. The kids enjoyed it and so did the adults- even if it was super hot and humid. 

Our Oregon family didn't know what to do with the humidity. 

 

  

After the canons, we explored the parks and learned more about the civil war battleground. 

Sadly, like many civil war battles too many lives were lost. Prairie Grove battlefield commemorates a civil war battle, where, in one day, union and confederate forces suffered about 2,700 casualties. 
That number of deaths in one day in the same place just blows my mind. 

We walked the trails and visited the Visitor's Center. It was a great way to remember and appreciate the freedom we have fought for and earned. 

I love this silly man of mine and his pirate smiles.

 

We then drove back home and I put together a patriotic charcuterie board that the kids devoured. 

Bailey loved it and offered to help put it together. 

Then we headed to the pool to cool off. It was so nice and there were hardly any other kids there. 

Stephanie and I even got in the pool since we were so hot. 

We also had to have our freedom popsicles. So good!

Then it was back home for some smoked pork sandwiches, baked beans and corn on the cob with watermelon. Dinner was delicious and enjoyed by everyone. 

Then the kids went outside to start some of the day time fireworks. We also took some cute pictures, because I can't help myself. 

 

 

 

And I, of course, had to get a group shot of all the kids. 
I just love them all and I'm so grateful they all get along so well. 

As it started to get darker we were able to do more and more fireworks. 

Most fireworks are illegal in Oregon, so this was a big treat for them. 

 

 

Don't you just love these cutie cousins

Benson really loved the "pop-its" this year. It was a full body commitment for him to throw them down.

Tucker also got braver (and more responsible) and was allowed to light some of his little fireworks. He loves this little tank. 

These beautiful girls enjoyed watching the show together. 

I'm not sure anything compares to the firework show we can see just from our front yard. 
On every side and in every direction fireworks were exploding and it was awesome. 
Our Oregon family loved it so much and they were in awe of how many fireworks were everywhere. 
Centerton really does do an awesome job and our neighbors put on a great show too. 

It was a great 4th of July and we had so much fun together. Now today we are leaving for our church history tour and we have a lot of fun and driving ahead. Stay tuned because I love church history and I love pictures so there is sure to be a lot of content headed your way.