HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

I'd have to say, The 4th of July has to be one of our favorite holidays! It's so good to take time out to appreciate this incredible country we live in & to celebrate the freedom that we have! :} At the same time, I hope everyone stops & takes a moment to thank/pray for our soldiers who keep it this way!! God Bless the USA!! It's also the time of year that we really look forward to. The time that brings so many of our family & friends together at our annual party. This was our 13th year holding the big bash, and once again we pulled it off! I don't how we do it, it's always a little crazy to put together & make it work; but, with the help of many, it always works out! My only regret each year is that I don't get more time to spend with those people that I really enjoy seeing; but, someone has to run the show! Why not crazy me?! :} Fortunately Doug is willing to play along & I think really enjoys it himself too! :} This year was full of surprises!! The first one, which was so awesome by the way, was hearing Dad & Sherrie's voices as they walked in our home saying "We heard there was a party going on here!" Dad & Sherrie live in San Antonio, TX; so it's not like we would expect them to just drop by! That really meant a lot to us that they would even consider making the visit just to enjoy the festivities! And the fact they made it a surprise to all of us is even better!

Dad went right to work helping out with the BBQ

Sherrie enjoyed the downtime!
It was so fun to have them there & for our friends to finally meet them! Of course I always love to spend time with my family too! :}
My siblings can always make me smile! :} One of the few times I saw Kaley this night. And let me also point out, I believe this was outfit #1 out of 6! Such a girly girl!!
I love how this brings Doug & his brother, Greg, together each year too! The two pyrotechnics who were in charge of the firework show! My sweet lil' niece, Jazzy
So glad my other sweet niece, Anjila, made it this year too! And how nice of her to bring along a couple of our other favorite Utes...her best friend, and fellow Utes Cheerleader, Reagen Probst, and Utes Quarterback, Corbin Louks
Another cute niece of mine, Brianna, with her favorite cheerleaders! And the boys just thought that was so awesome! They have total bragging rights now! :} (of course Doug & I were just as giddy being the big fans we are, let's not lie! :})
So cute! :} Also glad to have "our other family" there too! (The Thropps/Katris/Jones Families)
Doug & Greg doing their master work at the BBQ while Tony waits patiently! :} Always fun to share this with the neighbors each year too!
Jello anyone? Let's eat!!
..or just sit there & pout because we want to be a drama girl at the moment! :} I was so glad that school friend, Holly Lunt, and friends, joined us this year too! I'm so glad to be in touch with her again....one of my reasons why I love Facebook! :}
Another surprise...Daniella was here! She flew in from Florida without me finding out! Wow, that was neat too, and sure nice of her to do! She's been a traveling fool lately, good for her!
The bouncy houses were once again a hit with the kids (and some adults...though somehow we didn't get many of us laughing in there this year, like last year, which was a big moment of laughter!) I luv my family! :} Jeff (aka: The Glowstick Man), was so kind to once again bring his supply & keep everyone entertained & full of bling!!
The kids had fun putting them together! Good to be w/ Daniella & Carla
Surprise #3: Sirma & Wendy were also in town & came to the party! These are some old friends of ours from Fidelity, who have been living in CA for a while now. We ran into Sirma at Costco the day before & was shocked to see her then. Had no idea her, Wendy & Daniella were all up to something! And you know I always love time with my Bonko Babes!
And of course the Jazzerbabes too! :}Long time, and dear, neighbors, Paul & Darlene, are sadly moving away to CO soon. We will miss them! He's taught Doug a lot of traits over the years, we will be forever grateful!
Fun times with the friends for sure!We'll call this "Fun with Natalie & Carol", as they were put on a stick to join us for the party too!
Then it was time for fireworks to be let off! Ummmm....why is Dylan holding one? This can't be safe!
Who me?! This is me running away, I have nothing to do with it! :}
The Three Girls together again! We try to get this picture every year, I don't think they've missed more than 1 in the 13 years! Abrea, one of our many soldiers we are so grateful for, and friend, Michelle
I love us! :} Oh, fun times for sure!! Nothing like creating the memories & having pictures to prove it! (which I'm sure will be good when I have altheimers & can't remember! :}) Until next year....remember, just celebrate what you are fortunate to have, and don't let life slip you by without appreciating each chance you get to enjoy it!