One __________________ Good Fourth

I wish I new some more ultra adjective phrases (i.e. "hecka") to put into my posts and to sprinkle here and there into my every day conversation. Thus, I have put a blank into my post title so you can help me think of something new to put there! I'm always looking out for new phrases to use! :)

We had a blast over the whole fourth of July weekend. It's one of my favorite holidays. I love America and I love our freedom. My parents have always taught our family the importance of our country and the miracles that occured to bring to pass the Constitution, etc. And, of course, because of the freedom of religion we were able to have the gospel brought back to earth (and it was able to happen in America!). I just love this holiday. We spent our time with my family -- my dad, sisters Tiffany and Stacie, bro in law Ben, and nephews and niece. We went to the parade in the morning, then went to Tiffany's for a barbeque and swimming (in a tiny little kid's pool, but still), and we watched a movie, played wii and just hang out! 

Later that night we went to the church building to watch the Lincoln fireworks. It was okay -- honestly, I think that with the economy, everything is kinda mediocre. Kinda stinks; but I still had a good holiday with my family. And fireworks don't make or break my favorite holiday either. :)

Gabe waving our colors at the parade; he loved the fire trucks!
(big surprise, huh?)

My nephews Zan-man and K-dogg 

Hanging out at Tiff's with his huge Independence Day hat on :)

If you can't tell by the sweat on his body, I don't know what would give it away --
 it was about 103 degrees on the 4th ...
thank goodness we had the means to get wet and cool off!

My sweet little niece, Lacie. She broke her pinky toe,
so she had to sit on the sidelines; poor little girl!

These two ... they are so precious together.
They make each other laugh and just are really sweet together




The next few pictures are from later in the week. Just various activities n such that we did.

We went to this little water park near by so Gabe and his cousins could get wet
since its still so freakin hot here! I have come to realize that I really
would rather have it colder than hot!

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Gabe loves his Grandpa so much and you can
really tell by this picture I snuck in of them watching (with a little gagging on my end)
Star Trek. It's Grandpa's choice, if you can't tell. But anyway, Gabe loves his puppy ...
and Grandpa so much!

Before church today I cleaned out my purse (i.e., threw out all of my old receipts) and before
I could throw them in the garbage, Gabe had them strewn all about.


Then he put them in thatbox he's sitting in and examined them. Kids
really don't need toys to keep them entertained if they are happy with a box and
paper!

This also happened before church today. My dad has his favorite green chair that he always reads in, sleeps in, and watches T.V. in. I was going about my business of getting ready, when my dad tells me to come into the living room. My dad had Gabe's access blocked by putting his knee out, but Gabe went around to the ottoman and climbed over that, up onto my dad's lap. He then proceeded to touch my dad's face and try to pry open his eyelids. He was also laying his head on Grandpa's shoulder and neck (as seen above). I tried to get a video, but I didn't catch it.

As said above, he LOVES, loves, loves his Grandpa. I see this in the way he always wants to sit on his lap, have Grandpa pick him up, and of course, play with him. I couldn't ask for a better example of a good man for Gabe to be around than my dad. I am grateful my dad is willing to help with him and just be a good Grandpa by playing and spending time with him. 

This is what Gabe spends most of his 'play' time doing: playing with his cars and trucks, as seen above. He loves looking at the wheels very closely.