4th of July

Happy 4th of July!

We had a wonderful 4th weekend.  Lee had four days off (well, more like 3 3/4th days off) and I was once again sad when his little vacation came to an end.  I love having him home!  Friday we went to a sprinkler park and went on a bike ride that night.  Saturday Lee and Clark went to Six Flags for FREE...minus the $15 for parking.  Clark received a free pass for completing the reading program at school.  Lee got in free because all active duty military could get in free over the 4th weekend.  We wouldn't have known about it if my friend hadn't told me.  Thanks Melissa! They had a great time at Six Flags.  Next year Cal will go with them.  I think we've started a new tradition...going to Six Flags after each completed school year.

Something else that made the weekend wonderful, was having Lynn, Marv and Alex for a visit! Lynn is Lee's oldest sister.  They had plans to go to Nauvoo and stopped here on the way.  We had such a great time with them. 

Sunday after dinner we went to see the flag retreat.  It happens everyday at 5pm, but thought it would be fitting to see it happen on the 4th of July.


Elden dreaming about the Revolutionary War










Haley helped herself in getting dressed after church.  It was warm out, but whatever.






That night we watched the fireworks.  I read that they started at 9:30pm.  But apparently they started earlier.  Oops!  Marv stayed at our house and went to bed early, and babysat Elden for us.  Thanks Marv!








We hope all of you had a great 4th too! I am very thankful for this wonderful country.  God has truly blessed us all.


Shanna and Haley enjoyed having Marv around---especially Shanna!


Some of the kids even called him Grandpa. 


Early afternoon on Monday we went to Miller Cave on base.  It's easy to get to and close to our house.  I've never been there before.  We will definitely be back!







We should use this for our Christmas card!










The kids had fun throwing rocks into the pool of water.  Thanks Lynn for helping them find rocks in other places instead of the cliffside!






Guess what Lee discovered?




















Sorry for the suspense....a snake!




After lunch, shopping for Army pants and more visiting, we went to the Waynesville Park for a picnic dinner. 


Elden is now wondering why he is sitting in his car seat, not getting fed.  Deep thoughts.


At Waynesvillepark, one can walk down to the Roubidoux River.  It's a fun little river for the kids to play in...as long as they don't loose any flip-flops.  Marv, Lynn and Alex on the beautiful, tropical beaches of Missouri.




















I thought it was funny that the girls were holding their shorts up.




After the park Lynn and Marv treated us to homemade sundaes.  It was great visiting with them and getting caught up with each others' lives.

Vacation is now over and we have been up to the everyday normal stuff.  The pools on base are free this year and we LOVE that.  Clark is doing his own preparations for swimming lessons.  After he gets a physical he can sign up for lessons.--hopefully in August.

A few days after we were back from Nicaragua, someone had somehow stolen my debit card number and tried to wire him/herself over $200 from my bank account.  Lee called the bank and my card was canceled right away.  I love my bank!  It was very easy to get the fraudulent charge removed.  A few days later the transaction was reversed and we had our money again.  Whew.  I hope that person didn't the money!!! 

Another  event going on at the moment is getting Elden up to 20 pounds.  He has about 5 ounces to go!!!!  We have a new seating arrangement all figured out, and I know Elden will love the forward facing car seat. 

We will have more family and friends visiting this week and we are looking forward to them coming!  Have a great week everyone!