A Fantastic Fourth

We had a fantastic 4th of July celebration this year!

The past few years, my parents have held their reunion on the 4th.  This year, all of the siblings were able to attend and it was so fun to have everyone there together!  We actually started things the night before with a fireworks display at my parents' house.

(This is where I'd normally insert some pictures, but I didn't bring my camera that evening.  The funny thing is I'd even grabbed some spare batteries for it on my way out the door.)

The next day, we met up with my family for lunch.  We normally spend the morning at the park in LaVerkin and participate in their festivities, but Krissia had a Miss Washington County appearance in the St. George parade.  After lunch, we had a great time cooling off in Micah's pool:


Mathison preparing to jump off the diving board

 Jefferson is ready for the big plunge

Shawnee is showing off her special summer glow

Taking a quick break at the wall

I wish I had a tan like Krissia's !!









Later that evening, we met at my parents' house for games, dinner, and a talent show.  Here's what the Beatty family did this year:

This is our attempt at a pyramid.  Mathison felt a little unstable at the top, so he just sprawled out on top of Krissia and Jefferson :)

Jefferson called up his grandparents to compete in a "name that tune" activity with music from the 60's:

The amazing Spider"Mat":

The evening ended with movies and a sleepover on the lawn.  Krissia and Jefferson stayed to represent our family; Mathison was too cranky to stay and DEl and I would much rather sleep in a bed.

This year, it really struck home that our family dynamic is changing.  The kids are growing up; Krissia and Bronson both had to work during part of the reunion.  DEl was busy finishing up some Miss Nevada stuff, so there were times when I found myself with only Jefferson and Mathison.  With both of the older kids moving out this summer, I guess I'd better get used to this new "normal".