Independence Day (Utah trip day 4)

We were excited to spend Independence Day in Utah County. Becky made a fantastic breakfast (baked french toast) to start the day off right. Then we all headed out for nice hike up Battle Creek Canyon (near Pleasant Grove). The reward for the hike was a lovely waterfall!

We had some quiet time in the afternoon: cousin playtime, making beads under Aunt Becky's tutoring, and watching some shows.

Everyone was excited to meet Mango, the Bowers pet parrot!

Dinner was a patriotic BBQ. It was fun to have so much family already gathered together!

The wives and mothers of the group. This picture was a practice for our red, white, and blue family photos to come one week later. 

 

It was exciting to watch cousin Clarissa open her mission call!

 Finally time for fireworks! The kids got to start things off with snappers, sparklers, and tanks. We took a break to have homemade ice cream for dessert, and when it was finally dark enough Jared and Uncle Paul set off quite the fireworks display. We all oohed and aahed. There was a little unfortunate incident when one of the fireworks tipped over and started shooting sideways, but thankfully no one was hurt.

What a great 4th of July!