Spruces and Pioneer day

My parents spent a week up the canyons at the Spruces.

It's only about a twenty minute drive for us,

so we invited ourselves up for the evening.

It was so great to get some relief from the heat!

We actually had to put sweatshirts on.

We roasted hotdogs for dinner and marshmellows for dessert.

The kids spent a fair amount of time feeding,

or attempting to feed the chipmunks.

We left at about 10:00 PM and spotted four deer and four different locations

on the way down the mountain.

Carter asked what they were doing, and Alex told him they

were sniffing the ground.

We laughed and corrected him.

The next morning we got up bright and early to be downtown by 7:30 for the

days of 47 parade.  The 24th of July is pioneer day in Utah and is traditionally celebrated with

a parade in the morning and fireworks in the evening.

We found a great spot in the park, in the shade!  Yay!

The kids were a bit cold at first so they cuddled up in the blanket.

They gobbled up cotton candy for breakfast.

(I know, I know.  Good Mom.  I brought oat squares and they ate those too)

They watched the first half of the parade really well.

But about 1/2 way through the parde they lost interest.

I don't think it helped that we arrived two plus hours early to get a good spot.

So, they resorted to one of their favorite activities.

Fort-building!

At first I was worried about the crowd behind us,

but then I thought oh well.

We were the ones that got up at 6:00 to get a good spot. Right?

Later that night we lit fireworks.

The kids loved them!

I just love, love , love  the look of enjoyment on Carter's face above.

Nadya and Laurence being goofs!

It was a FUll Moon and the kids were having fun

with the light up bracelots that Kris brought.

After the fireworks Carter disappeared.

I found him sound asleep in his bed.

I knew he was tired.

We were up late the night before, got up early,

and stayed up late  for fireworks that night.

His tiredness resulted in a rough day for him.

But, doesn't he look so sweet and innocent sleeping?

And one last picture.

It was really dark and I had to use a slower shutter speed

so it's pretty blurry, but it melts my heart.

Three years ago Nadya wouldn't even take

a back rub from her dad.

And would you look at her now.

She has turned into such a Daddy's girl.

9 out of 10 times she request him to tuck her in.

I can't believe  the change in three short years.