Fourth of July extended

 The Fourth has always been my dad's favorite holiday. He loves to have people over , serve food that he raised himself and shoot off some fireworks . Life has kept everyone busy but ,when my grandma passed away this January, we all realized that time isn't ours- we don't own it and we can't stop it from passing. But we can make the best of it. Several people expressed to my dad at her memorial that they  missed the get togethers he used to host and them memories they provide. All it took was that and my parents have been planning a " like the yester-years" BBQ for months. Finally the day arrived! About 45 family members came and we all had such a fantastic time. Here are pictures of the day ( in no particular order)

This was my photo-a-day photo for the day. My arms weren't long
enough or Chica's not short enough to get all of her. She's such a beautiful horse.

Toad tamer! " I kissed him on the lips and stuffed him under the porch!"

Sign of a good time

God Bless America

Great Gramps and Aunt Janis with Azariah, the youngest Great Grand daughter

I love the way he looks at her! The horse trough was a bit hit, too!

Mason relaxing with cousin John

Jump! The kids had so much fun on the trampoline. My cousin Carrie said
my parents could charge admission: Food, farm animals, trampoline, fireworks

Kaleb catching a break from the fun

Yep, a big hit! There were at least five kids on the tramp at all times.

Brook and Mack waiting for a ride on Chica. Anaka gave rides or
riding lessons ( to the older crowd) for hours!

These two had SO much fun together! Myles at
no less than three s'mores but I am sure he burned each of them off
with one hour of his funny energy.

Pretty Magdalena

My parents got this tether ball pole for Brooklyn for her birthday!

Do it up, Mark!

Mason could get used to this!

After all the planning, cleaning and cooking, we could have some fun!

Opps! Katie shot the photographer!

Sweet girl

Always a beautiful sunset to usher in the fireworks.

Two at a time, Macky!

Three of Clay's clan watching horse rides.

Uncle Bryan and Aunt Laura were there from the Taylor side

Some of the gang sitting on the porch

The pig

Alyssa carrying Mason. The boy was adored and carried around at will.