America the Beautiful

We celebrated the 4th of July in Hennessey again this year because it was Zach’s last weekend home. Kyle grilled out for us all for lunch and then we headed over to the pool. Growing up the 4th was always one of my favorite holidays. We spent our time at Grandma and Grandpa Taylor’s swimming and eating homemade Butterfinger ice cream. Then we’d camp out on the front yard for a firework show and Aunt Tracy would see how loud she could get everyone to “Ohhh” and “Ahhh.” It was a great time.

In high school we started going to Falls Creek over the 4th, which was a lot of fun, too, but it just wasn’t the same after that. We were all grown up and Grandpa had moved to Oklahoma City. This year, though, we found ourselves replaying the past with lots of little great grandkids splashing around in the pool and the adults in lawn chairs eating Butterfinger ice cream. Like always, we ended the night with fireworks but this time, we had to set them off ourselves since Hennessey no longer does a big show. Kyle didn’t mind at all. He LOVES doing fireworks, but I think he made Mamo and the former firefighter a little nervous by getting Asher involved in the fun. Fortunately for them, he saved the really big ones for the next evening when we got back to Stillwater.

 Kyle's stash of fireworks. 

 Sneaking up on Oliver. We were just happy Asher agreed to get out of his fort.

 We got to Hennessey the night before, just in time to do some coyote scouting.

 The boys planted a camera outside of a coyote den and got all kinds of pictures. Asher got scared once it was time to get out of the truck, but he still had a good time. 

 Quinn just LOVED Asher's pool float. 

 Pool party! At one point it was just Kyle and the kids in the pool but you could hardly tell who the grown up was! 


 Oliver stayed over at Mom and Dad's so we went to check on him every now and then. He did great and the fireworks didn't bother him at all. 

 Josh said he was going to the store for poppers, and I thought he'd come back with fireworks. Turns out he meant jalapeno poppers. They turned out tasty and very spicy. 

 Time for the fireworks.


 Even Cheryl got in on the action.

 The 2nd generation of cousins.
 Sparklers with the neighbor boy...

 ...who thought these two were twins. ??
 Quinn didn't love the fireworks, but it was getting close to her bedtime anyway. 

 She was much happier after a good night's sleep. 

Now it's time for the big guns. 


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