Pioneers! Freedom! 'Merica!

Pioneer Day is a pretty big deal in Utah - parades, parties, barbecues, and, best of all, fireworks.  Spencer and Josh were all set to move to Utah just to have two chances in July to have fireworks.  We could have gone to a big fireworks show, but given the fact that we didn't get to have our own fireworks for the 4th, and that we didn't want the kids to stay up super late because they were already super-grouches, we opted for our own driveway of fire. 

But before the show we had to eat.  Grandpa and Grandma (and great-Grandma, too!) put on a pretty good spread, with hamburgers and hotdogs, fruit, baked beans, etc.  Most of us really enjoyed eating out on the patio.

Others did not.

Actually, Tess was only grouchy because the heat made her little fat legs break out in a rash, we think from the plastic of the high chair.  Josh was grouchy because he wanted the fireworks RIGHT THEN, and we weren't obliging.

Tess sweetened up later on when Grandpa shared some of his homemade rootbeer float ice cream with her.

Finally, it was time to start!  Although grandpa was the founder of the proverbial fireworks feast, Lance was the designated lighter.  Because, you know, having the guy with the wife and four small children to support be the one to light the potentially dangerous explosives seems like a pretty good idea.

The boys had fun with the poppers - all over grandpa's freshly asphalted driveway.  (Shoulda waited a couple of weeks on that project, Grandpa!)

Don't try this at home, kids.  No, really.  Don't.

Cole wasn't scared of the fireworks this year.  No, this year he had to be held precisely because he was not scared enough!

As you can see, Josh and Spencer were SUPER EXCITED!!!

Some of the bigger fireworks were pretty loud.

Apparently too loud - Josh kinda hid further back on the lawn.

Great Grandma Roper having a little chat with Cole.

It's hard to take pictures that are in focus with a three year old around!

Not only did we have sparklers - we had GIANT sparklers!

Wait - who gave COLE the stick of fire?!?

It was around this point that Kevin started yelling such cheers as "Pioneers!", "Freedom!", and, of course, "'Merica!"  (This is a little ironic, as the pioneers came to Utah precisely to get away from 'Merica and have their freedom of religion.)  You're awesome, Kevin.

The show was well received all around.
 

Once our show was over we realized that the neighbors across the street were having their own show.  So we moved our chairs to the top of the driveway and enjoyed act two.

For whatever reason, Josh decided to wear his clothes inside out that day.  Nice look, Josh.

 Part of the grand finale.

Pioneers!  Freedom!  'Merica!