~Utah Vacation 2011: Fourth of July~

We got this crazy last minute idea to run the Provo 5k Freedom Run on Independence Day morning.  I didn't have any running clothes or shoes with me and hadn't been running in over a month so I felt pretty nervous, but we pulled some things together and my Dad promised to stay with me no matter how slow I went.  We got there a little late and had to run from the registration tables to the starting line, adding on at least a half mile to our run.  Nick and my brother Robert took off way ahead of us... those long legged fellows.  My dad was good to his word and stayed right by me the whole time, cheering me on, telling me I could do it even when I felt like stopping, and helping me keep up my energy and improve my running form.  Apparently I cross over too much and need to keep all my energy moving forward.  I never would have known!   I kept telling my dad over and over, "I'm not a soldier!"  He would respond "I know!  You're a Mom!  Mom's are tougher than soldiers!" We must have sounded like crazy people to everyone around us.  I actually did end up speed walking up part of the last hill while my dad jogged beside me, but I made sure I was running on that last bend.  I knew my Mom and three kiddos would be there to cheer me on and I wanted to look strong.  :-)  The kids were wide eyed and kept telling me that my face was red.  After we collected all our race completion loot we head home where we could take a picture.

Then Robert and my mom decided to take Alec and Elyssa on a Kids Mile run around the neighborhood.  I was so proud of my munchkins and was sure to cheer extra loud and proud for them as they crossed the finish line.  After all that hard work we deserved a special treat so Nick and I cooked up some Red White and Blue Crepes!  Yummmm.

We all lazied around a bit that morning before heading down the street to my Grandma's house for some water balloon fights.  It was hard to be patient and wait for all the balloons to be filled, but once they were it was an all out water war with pretty much everyone ganging up on Grandpa Steve.

 This has to be one of my favorite shots from the day!  I love all the action and emotion in this picture.

It is my understanding that the day before my kids were harrassing my dad with little squirt guns when he was trying to read a book in the backward.  Grandpa Steve decided to play back and hosed down my kids with cold water from the garden hose, making Alec very angry.  This water fight was the perfect time for some serious retaliation!  

 Once all the water balloons were gone we drew pictures on the sidewalk and snacked on my homemade  dixie cup popsicles.  These were made with homemade lemonade, blueberries, and chopped up strawberries.  Delicious!

We ended the night with my little girls going straight to bed and Alec heading out with the grown ups for  more fireworks over at Pleasant Grove Junior High!  They were spectacular!  I only wish I got more pictures. (Not bad for a cell phone camera shot, eh?)

Needless to say, it was an AWESOME Independence Day!