4th of July Events

Yesterday was the 4th of July. It seemed odd to have the 4th on Saturday, but it was a good day. Billy's friend, Amy, returned from Ghana Tuesday night, much to Billy's delight. I asked them if they would go to the parade and save seats for us. They agreed and went around 7:30 a.m. Usually we sit in front of Uncle Jerry's old house, but yesterday we sat one house north of Uncle Jerry's. Dick was feeling pretty good. We parked at Grandpa Miller's and then walked to the parade. Here's a picture of Dick, Ryan, Amy, Billy and Milly.

Bagpipes are always a favorite at parades for me.

Evie and Braydon Santo, who by the way, has been called to the Armenia Mission. Apparently, Armenia is fairly safe even though it is bordered by Iran, Turkey and Georgia.

Glen and Dick have a good conversation, probably about Glen's recent trip to New York, Washington D.C., etc. He and his family had a great time.

After the parade, we all came home and took a nap, everyone but Jenny's kids. They watched a movie. Then, we got ready to go to Roy's and Maralee's for a pool party.

Here is Jenny's family all dressed in their Hawaiian attire. Jenny and Ryan bought all these fun coverup Hawaiian clothes when they went to Hawaii in May.

Ryan and Reed throw Ali into the swimming pool at Roy's and Maralee's for their annual 4th of July pool party.

Ryan and Reed throw Spencer into the pool. After throwing several kids in, their arms got tired.

Roy and Ryan are in the background. Roy had a terrible accident while he was doing the decorative painting in the Boise Idaho Temple. There was an electrical fixture with some jagged edges that had not been covered. He leaned over and his right wrist was severed to the bone (on the inside). He had to have surgery for five and a half hours to try to get it put back together. Fortunately, one of the best surgeons in the country (who does that kind of surgery) was there to do it. What a blessing. We prayed and fasted for Roy that his wrist will heal. It will take around six months. Hopefully, he will be able to return to working on the temples. I'm sure the Lord will help him.

Maralee, Brian Parrott, and Ryan.

Spencer and Ali enjoying themselves in the pool.

Zack and Jenny

Milly taking a jump off the diving board.

After the Santo party, we went home and rested. Then, our neighborhood had a BBQ down at Robinsons. It was potluck and we took our own meat. We have such great neighbors. When it got dark, we had our own Stadium of Fire, which we call "Streetium of Fire." Our neighbors (the Francis')put on quite a show every 4th, so we don't even have to go to Stadium of Fire.

By the way, I am very grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in our country of America. It's always good to stop and think about all the blessings we have living in this country. God bless America.