24th Fun

The 24th of July is fun in Utah, a holiday no less. The pioneers are celebrated for their sacrifice, faith and dedication in their trek out west for Religious freedom in the unsettled Mountains of the West. Parades, programs and fireworks are all part of the celebrations all over the state. Orem is no exception to the celebration, but we traveled just a bit south to a small town that seems to do it up right- Mapelton. We have family there. We enjoyed their parade, where all the Primaries had a float as well as the Stake Presidency. There were the veterans, the HS band, cheerleaders and student council as well. In essence, we celebrate religious freedom and the American Spirit. Afterward, food booths of course, with sno cones and cotton candy to boot. Inflatables, ring toss, musical performances and a rock climbing wall. The kids had a blast. We are at a stage in life, for the moment, where the older kids can have some freedom under the right circumstances and that makes for less chasing and stressing over them- well there is still the stressing but not like you do over a 2.5 year old that just doesn't have any sense if she or he wanders too far. Trev is still content in the shady stroller to watch the kids and eat a sno cone, so he was pleasant. Next year Trev will be the senseless, carefree 2 year old that must run, and there will be a baby in the stroller, so it will be back to harder again, but for this season, it was fun and enjoyable for us...To all things there is a time and season, huh?
I did get some shots of I did get some shots of the rock wall that the kids thought would be fun. It was Zac's idea, and he was willing to wait the long time to do it, and studied it as he waited. He ended up being scared to go much further than half way. It was fun to watch him think it out and try something new. I like his spirit. Jenna was a trooper and tore it out until she looked down and later told me that she was sure if she went too high, the whole things may tip over. This is Calvin's (Jenna's bud and cousin of some sort) hometown. It was fun to play with him. I got a shot on him on here too. He is in the light blue shirt.