fireworks, glow sticks and more!

We started our 4th of July weekend off with a bang! We spent Saturday afternoon with my family up the canyon, and came down just in time to watch the Stadium of Fire- Fireworks show.

We had some awesome spots saved thanks to the Sampsons. Emery was totally captivated by the fireworks and she watched the whole thing!

Kate was a little nervous about the fireworks at first but once they started she loved it!

Now its time for my awesome glow stick story... Kate somehow got her hands on a few glow sticks while we were watching the fireworks, and as we put her in the car to head home I noticed her pants glowing. She was not about to give up the glowstick so I let her keep it (mistake #1), but gave clear instructions to her to keep it out of her mouth (mistake #2). Two minutes later she starts complaining about her mouth being hot, I didn't think much of it and handed her a water bottle, but the complaining continued. I turned around and she was a glowing mess! Luckily I am a paranoid freak and have the poison control number memorized (and programed in my phone... benefits of being a pediatric nurse) so I gave them a call... this was the conversation.
Poison Control Man: Hi poison control how can I help you?
Me: yeah, my two year old ate half of a glow stick.
PC Man: ok is it a boy or girl?
Me: (in my head... hmm weird question but I answered) it is a girl.
PC Man: hmm that's funny its been mostly boys tonight
Me: Well at least im not the only one that lets their child eat glow sticks
PC Man: not by a long shot, ha ha. let me guess you were watching fireworks
Me: yep
PC Man: well it's not toxic but she will have some mouth irritation.
Me: ok thanks, bye
-So I hung up the phone and turned around and Kate had this crazy look on her face and says "mom your hair is purple"...(then she starts waving her hands and says) "now its green!".
Me and Chad just looked at each other and said hmm maybe we should call the man back and make sure she is not hallucinating. Luckily Kate turned out ok and we learned our lesson!

Bright and early Monday morning we were all set up and ready to watch the parade! Chad and his brothers and cousins had camped out most of the night waiting to save spots for us, while me and the girls slept not so peacefully in Camilles room.

Camille had the time of her life being a pioneer on my dad's stake float. Doesn't she look excited!

Here is all of the parade crowd! We love the fourth of July in Provo!

After the parade finished, my uncle set up a giant water blow up slide in my parents front yard. the kids had a blast! Kate was not a fan of the water but she enjoyed watching from a safe distance.

Another crazy tradition that we honor at our house on the fourth of July is torturing anyone who falls asleep during the party. My cousin Cannon was the victim this year. Me and my sister pulled out the hot pink nail polish and went to work! he looked lovely!

Emery found her future BFF Hilary. She is the newest addition to our good friends the Walkers. She was born a week before Emery. Heather gave Emery a matching dress so they could be twinners for the 4th. Aren't they so cute!

I love this pic of Emery, she is starting to be so alert and interactive, it is so fun!

Later that afternoon I found Kate totally passed out asleep on the floor in Anna's room. It was a very fun but exhausting day! We love the 4th!