24th of July Celebration

This weekend was the good ol' 24th Celebration in Kirtland! And what a weekend it has been. For all you Kirtlandites (I don't think that's a word), lets take a walk down memory lane!

We started off by going to the play on Thursday night "All in Favor". It was too cute, and pretty funny too. Our stake is full of such talented people!

Friday night was the BBQ. We didn't go, for three reasons. 1-it was raining; 2-it just isn't as good as it used to be (Sorry Sean, I couldn't eat any yummy meat for you. They don't make the food anymore, it's just all bought from a food distributor. It's still good, but not like it used to be when we were kids); and 3-we had to get ready for concrete once again (more on that on the house blog later). But, we did go to the Firework Extravaganza though. I didn't know how Drew would respond to the fireworks, but he seemed to like them. He watched the entire time and never made a peep. The girls LOVED the fireworks. Since we were in the mountains for the 4th, they missed out on fireworks this year. So, thanks to the pioneers so we can have fireworks twice in July (ok, that's not the only reason I'm grateful for the pioneers, just one of them).

Saturday is always fun at the old church! There was the golf tournament, the 5k run and walk, the horseshoe tournament, and free swimming at the pool; all of which we did not participate in (too much going on). But, we watched the parade, of course! Here's our ward float.

This is Bishop Hogue from 4th ward carrying his Olympic Torch. He went to China a few weeks ago and got to carry the torch on behalf of the company he works for! How awesome is that! I can't wait until the fireside he does telling all about his trip. (Technically, it's for the youth, but my dad said I could go and listen. And, after the stories I've heard second hand from my dad, it should be amazing.)

Yes, that would be my nephew Jordan trying to ride a dog in the back of a truck!

I don't know what's up with the face Lexi is making!

Then, it's the races! This is usually serious stuff in Kirtland. People have reputations to maintain based on the races. Just kidding (well, maybe only a little bit)!

Olivia was too cute! There were only three little crawlers, and she was perfectly happy sitting there and smiling at everyone in the crowd. Everyone was smiling at her and she was hamming it up. She so loved being the center of attention, and was so sweet. (I think she gets her cuteness from her Aunt Amanda.....what do you think.....wink, wink)

She did finally cross the finish line. Meg and Kourtney both had to get out there to get her attention. She is such a doll!

Kourtney was next, and wasn't too sure about the whole thing. She couldn't figure out why everyone was getting so worked up about running down the grass. But, she ended up racing after all.

Then there was Lexi who was very serious about racing. When I asked her if she wanted to race, she replied "Ya mom, and I'm going to beat everyone too!" And boy did she race (she didn't beat everyone, but she sure tried)!

The funny thing is that she ran to 'Aunt Joy' instead of her dad and Kourtney.

After the races, it was off to the water games. The girls had a blast and were soaked when they were done.

The girls played and played till they were absolutely worn out. We got prizes, played games, had sno-cones, ate yummy Navajo Tacos (thanks Shiprock ward....they were awesome!), got so busy that we forgot about the money pit (shhh.....don't tell my girls that we forgot), and played and played and played. It's always fun to see childhood friends come home for a visit and see their families. And fun to see those who have moved away and grown up so stinkin' much it's amazing (Yes, I'm talking about you Afton), and it's so fun to enjoy a relaxed fun filled day with the community!

It was really humid and hot, but tons of fun. Drew got tired and hot, so Jeremy took him home a little early while I stayed with the girls a bit longer. The great part of living across the street from the church, is when you're ready to go, you can walk home!

Jeremy played softball all afternoon and was able to play in the Championship game tonight during the pie and ice cream social. It was a good game, but the other team won in extra innings by one run. Kaitlin was on the winning team and I'm sure she'll rub it in to him next week. But he had a great time and loved playing with friends.

What a great day! Who else loves the 24th of July Celebration?