*Stars & Stripes*

I love the 4th of July. I think it's my absolute FAVORITE holiday of the year. I love the carnivals, fireworks, parades & of course the yummy food that is always cooked on this great day. This years 4th was very eventful for us & we had something going on all day every day over the weekend.

The festivities began Friday night {although I forgot my camera}. My little sister was in the Riverton parade with her cheer team. Jake was at a bachelor party so my Mom & I went to the parade ourselves and found a nice little spot in the middle of the road to watch all of the craziness. I don't know why I enjoy parades so much. A bunch of screaming children bound to get hit by a float eventually, candy being thrown at your face, large crowds etc....But for some crazy reason I go back every year and love them more than I did when I was a little girl.

Saturday was a busy day. We had an {AWESOME} breakfast at my mama's house. Homemade waffles, crepes, eggs, sausage. Mmmm It was delicious. Then it was time to get ready for the Frehner family party. The Frehner's have the tradition of tank wars every year and as you can see in the pictures it's quite the event. I even get into it and make Jake spend hundreds of dollars on tanks. This year our friends Rod & Jacque tagged along and Rod was just as excited for the tank wars. We ate some great food & enjoyed the company of the Frehner family.

Rod & Jake's tank set up. Rod was so proud of that Hummer

And the aftermath.....Oh the damage done. There were sparks all over the place. It gets a little {crazy}

Baby Karlie looked adorable in her 4th of July dress {as always}. I can't believe her & her family have to leave us tomorrow....We hope Oklahoma treats them well & they enjoy there new home

Our hometown of Riverton always has a fun carnival and {awesome} fireworks. We got there early and walked around the carnival. The boys played a few games and we went down the big yellow slide. {Always a good time in my opinion} The other rides make me want to throw up. I can't even look at them. The fireworks rocked this year. We love laying on the grass, talking to our friends & laughing. 7 years ago on the 4th of July I tried introducing Jake to my best friend...Lucky for me I gave Jake an eskimo kiss that day {because he didn't know what they were} & according to HIM he fell in love with me that very moment. Ok really that's enough cheesy stuff! My point is I had a great day with everyone.

Love our nieces & nephew to pieces.

Jake, Rod & Cary at the carnival

Sunday my Dad took us to the Bee's game. I don't know for sure but I think I might like to make the Bee's game a tradition on the 4th of July. It was such a blast. It was also a great excuse to eat junk food all day. {So horrible I know} But-what are ball games all about? Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, & DIPPIN DOTS. The best ice cream {EVER} made. The fireworks after the game were awesome. It was such a fun day. Thanks Dad! Your the bomb.com.
Our dippin dots-Mmmm

By the way, just a small update on my caffeine addiction I was trying to kick. I've done great {I think anyway}. I quit drinking soda, not even one a week. None, zero, zip...except that one time we went to the movies & Jake got a cherry coke and I took a sip because I had to have a drink with my popcorn and frankly I'm sick of WATER. But it was only a small sip and that's it. Coffee is still delicious & I've limited myself to one or two per month. It's super hard because frozen mochas are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Good news is that I have lost 5 pounds by not drinking any soda and eating better through out the day. I also started taking a Zumba class with a girl from work and I love it. Best work out I've ever had and it's such a great time. I want to go every single day. Literally but I have other obligations like cooking dinner or cleaning my house. How lame is that?? Just kidding. I don't mind my house wife duties but in the summertime I just want to play...