Happy Independence Day!

The 4th of July is a big deal around our house! It is one of Chris' favorite holiday and we always have the King side of the family out to our house for dinner and a fireworks show! Last night we had about 20 people here to join in the celebration with us!

Chris and Everett have made countless trips to the fireworks SUPERSTORES!! Here is our contribution to the fireworks show we put on last night....several others bring fireworks to add to this also! On top of all that about 4 other houses in our neighborhood put on a show as well, so its all fun and festive! Everett has been chomping at the bit to do fireworks...he had a few special ones just for him...like a firetruck, some tanks, and a racecar! Here he is setting up his rockets and examining them all!

Can you see the excitement in his face??!?!

Shelby brought chocolate covered strawberries for dessert last night....and Everett snuck one...here is the result!! Crazy kid!

Here we are on our front porch! This year is the 10th year that Chris and I have had matching 4th of July shirts! We get them from Old Navy every time! It's our little tradition....10 years in the making (that seems crazy to me)!

The backyard was the source of entertainment between dinner and the fireworks show! The kids were all over the pirate ship and swings! Even Uncle Aaron got some swinging in with Everett!

We can't forget the glittery 4th of July hat...I am going to see how long I can keep this hat around! We found this last year at Wal-Mart and Everett loved it so I kept it! Year 2 and it is still holding up!

My Nana came up for a few days to visit! She hasn't been here since my baby shower in 2007! We had a good time! We played lots of cards! Gin is our game (we really played over 100 games, I think)! It was a great visit! 84 and still going strong!

Everett's friend from across the street came over and got in on the firework action! Brett and Everett are in the same class at school! They were so cute together!

I see long term buddies in the future!

Speaking of long term friends...here is Shelby and I! Hard to believe that we have been friends for over 26 years! How exciting that we now get to call ourselves sister in laws! Who would have known that we would marry brothers!

I just love this picture!! This is of Chris and his cousins..with their spouses and kids! Love it! We have never taken one of these before! It was great fun!

Everett loved the fireworks again this year! The noise and sparks don't bother him a bit! He was a trooper! Here he is with his giant sparkler! He was slinging that thing everywhere! He was a MESS when the fireworks were over...so it was bath-time! I don't think he got to bed until almost midnight!....and in case you were wondering...he got up at 6:30...no sleeping in for us!

Shelby and I again...during the fireworks show!

Everett is into the fireworks just as much as his Daddy! It is neat that they get to share that together! Here he is going through the stash! Chris bought him those ear muffs in case the loud boom bothered him! It was a sight to see him run around with those on all night!

This picture is out of order, but here we are all getting ready to watch the show in front of the house! People sit out in their front yards across the street to because they know that Chris will put on a good show! It's great!

We had a great time....and hope you did, too! We thanks God for our freedom and for the USA!