Let Freedom Ring

This 4th of July was a good one.

We spent they day by the pool - even while it rained for about 75% of the time we were there. Cameron continued to be the water toy for every child and I made sure to take my camera but realized with the first cute picture I took I failed to put the memory card back in it. Lame. So just imagine really cute pictures of us by the pool.

That evening Trent and Amy had us up for the Annual Jensen 4th of July party - as always the night started off with delicious food - and lots of it!

We moved the party to the back yard for the fun to begin - but of course we had to document our matching outfits - we must be related:

I always enjoy any time I get to spend with my mom - I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful mom and how I have been able to develop such a close, strong relationship with her. Truly one of my closest and dearest friends.

The Johnson Clan decided to join in the fun this year and it was so fun to have them - I don't have many memories without this big guy in them, so it's always fun to get to be around him.

And of course no night would be complete without this guy - love him.

These girls are always wanting to make funny faces instead of cute one's for pictures - I couldn't stop laughing at Paige's (or is that Morgan?) face - too funny.

I did sneak in one cute picture with this girl.

When the party moved to the front yard it was time for parachutes - the highlight for the kids (and us really mature adults). Cam once again jumped in the fun and lit tons and tons of these things (all with a less than awesome lighter).

Watching the kids line up and wait for their turn was SO cute. They were all so excited - but the sadness on their faces when theirs didn't explode quite right or the wind took it into the trees was heartbreaking. Even I had to celebrate when I got my own parachute to chase and got it. I'm such a dork.

Our family is quite a presence so the audience is always a sight. But nothing makes me happier than to all be gathered together. Honestly - my family is pretty awesome.

The firework show was great - the finale even included the new aerial fireworks. They were AMAZING. I felt like my childhood had been cheated that we never had those cool fireworks.

Somewhere in the middle of all this fun we slipped in root beer floats and lime sherbet/sprite floats - classic American right?

All around the night was just so fun. Food, family, fireworks, and fun. It is one of my favorite holidays and it's nights like this that make it so.