Independence Day

For the first time in awhile our family was in Utah for the 4th of July.  Normally we have our summer vacation later in the summer in mid-August, but this year due to our fabulous Evans family reunion planned in Yellowstone and surrounding areas we drive up early, arriving in Salt Lake on July the 2nd. 

The fun begins immediately. While we are sad that our Utah cousins are not here to celebrate with us (do they have The Cul-de-Sac of Fire down under we wonder?) we are more than excited to hang out with CD, Spence, Sarah and of course, Grandma and Grandpa. The evening of July 3rd while Grandma and I kick high gear into road trip planning and prep, Peter and Carol-Diane take the twins to a Real Salt Lake soccer game at the new Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy.  

sort of an odd assortment of characters present during the anthem

unidentified mascot flying the Real Salt Lake flag

the game ends with a tie and holiday appropriate fireworks

Pete and Jack riding home on the light rail

system Trax after the game

Fourth of July, 2009

First up, neighborhood pancake patriotic breakfast

held at G'ma and G'pa's church next door, advertised earlier in the week above

boys during the pledge of allegiance

mom and Henry ready for breakfast 

our next pastime is the national one,

 Pete and the boys play some baseball in the backyard

First up to hit is Henry - watch out pitcher he's a heavy hitter!

Jed takes his turn at the plate

For our evening activity we are invited to a BBQ at the new home of Uncle Spence and Aunt Sarah.  They host a wonderful gathering in their fabulous backyard and we have a great time eating, playing and doing some sparklers.  After a fireworks performance from the neighbors down the street its time to load up and head home to start packing and preparing to head out first thing Monday morning!

Harriet says it all....

Happy Independence Day!