Independence Day

I always love July 4th! It gives me time to think about the amazing freedoms we have and how so many sacrificed and still sacrifice for us to be able to have the freedoms that we enjoy. Thank you to all who have fought and are fighting for our freedoms! 

We spent most of the day at Grandma and Grandpa Walker's home. The most exciting part for Reed was 'helping' them put the pig in the fire pit. Yes, an entire pig. We picked it up from a butcher and then Tyson helped his dad lower the pig into the fire pit that they (Tyson, his dad, Jared, and Adam) built in the back yard. I thought the kids would be grossed out or sad, but no, they thought it was awesome! No vegetarians live in this house, that's for sure. Reed talked for days about how we cooked a whole pig in grandpa's fire pit. They all ate the pig and liked it!

One of the many dreams of Dave Walker came true on July 4, 2012: build a fire pit in the backyard and cook a pig and vegetables the Tongan way. Lots of Zobrist family came plus John and Shauntelle and their girls. We all ate the pig and I tried every vegetable - not all were super good, but most were not bad. 

Before we actually got to eat the pig, it had to cook for about 6 hours in it's underground oven. So, during that time, I made my contributions to the dinner (consisting of dairy- and soy-free rice krispies treats, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas) and the kids played. It ended up raining for a bit, so umbrellas were made into forts outside. Always a good time with umbrellas, right?!  

Thank you, Pintrest for helping me to get creative with mostly fruit!

Kimber was proud of my work :)

So was I! 

The umbrella fort

It was serious work. 

My other dinner contribution - a flag made out of bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Thanks again, Pintrest!

We also swam (after the rain stopped) and swam and swam until dinner was ready, and then did more swimming after dinner. 

Then, before John and Shauntelle left to go home, we did some sparklers and small fireworks. 

Everyone wanted to do sparklers. 

Reed, Mary, and Evyn showing off their sparklers. 

A tank

Then, we went to Aunt Lori's house for much bigger fireworks. Reed and Eve sported their star headbands that they had made at story time. We had homemade ice cream (well, I had homemade mango sorbet) and Reed has changed his favorite ice cream flavor to vanilla since that night. Reed watched the fireworks from inside grandpa's truck (they are still too loud for him) and Eve and Aria watched from the blankets. It was definitely a fun and tiring day!

Notice the headbands :)

Grandpa out lighting a firework

Daddy and Aria

Vance and Grandpa 

Daddy and Eve

Blurry, but Eve is showing off her sparkler.