I guess the goal of posting a blog a day for the month of June was a little lofty, but I am impressed with myself that I did do as many as I did. That being said, I thought I would get back on here and put up some pictures of our July 4th Celebration. This year we spent the holiday with Marc’s extended family. Getting together with the Lara’s is always a good time. This time was especially nice because the Birch family (Marc’s sister) was in town from Denver and they were able to celebrate with the rest of us. YAY!  Even more YAY than that is fireworks are not illegal to purchase in Colorado so Aaron treated us all to a fantastic light show in front of our house Saturday night.  I think some neighbors and passers by were as impressed as we were.  Unfortunately my camera ran out of battery juice and I did not get any pictures of the fabulous show.  I was able, however, to get some pics of the kids with their sparklers which was also fun.

Sunday after church Audrey and Gracie helped me make a cute July 4th treat that I had seen online and had to try.  Look how great they turned out.  Way to go girls!!

How’s that for A Bald Eagle’s Nest?

This next picture is simply because Sophia is super cute and looks like a bobble-head from this angle.

Next, we were off to Casa Grande for dinner, a patriotic family home evening, a fireworks show, and of course, fun times with cousins!

Then off to the fireworks show!

It was a great way to spend our Nation’s Birthday!

Sophia’s latest play time involves taking her “baby” and tucking it in bed.  She chooses dolls, Barbies, Care Bears, or other random stuffed animals to take care of.  Since Carson’s bed is the only one that she can reach comfortably, she chooses his bed.  I find her tucking in the babies, giving them kisses and saying “night, night”.  She even will close the door behind her and tell everyone in the vicinity to “Shhh”.  I think this is the sweetest thing.

Can you spot a difference between this man…

and this man?

Evidently, Carson cannot.  Last night as I was changing channels, I came across President Obama’s speech and I stopped for a moment and asked Carson, who had just entered the room, “Who is that Carson, do you know?”  Without a blink of an eye Carson replied, “Yes, that is President Monson.”

The other night Carson began feverishly gathering all the pillows and large stuffed animals from every room in the house and running them to my bedroom.  As he hurried along, he was repeating the phrase “I need to make a big, soft, landing”.  Before long, his sisters were joining in to create the above pictured monstrosity.  I was in the girls’ bedroom working on something so I did not witness the goings ons, but I did hear a bed frame creaking as if the bed was being jumped on.  I also heard a few knocks against the wall, and children’s laughter (one of my favorite sounds).  I asked Audrey to snap a few pictures.  I love that my children can be creative and easily entertained.  (They even cleaned up the mess themselves when they were done).

The Mastermind

The Guinea Pig

I got a delicious and easy new recipe from my hair dresser Lori.  It has been a hit in this house.  You can try it too!

Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats

1 Cup white Karo syrup

1 Cup sugar

1 Cup peanut butter

5 Cups Rice Krispies

Bring syrup and sugar to a slow boil.  Stir in peanut butter.  Remove from heat and add Rice Krispies.  Use tablespoon to drop onto wax paper.  Treats will harden as they cool.  (I use the Pampered Chef small scoop instead of a tablespoon).