Happy 4th of July!

Usually every year we get together with Cliff's family, but this year it was my side. I was excited when 2 of my sisters said they were coming. Our oldest sister had a good reason not to be coming...adopting a baby. Cliff started off his 4th by going fishing at midnight and staying out all night. So much for his 5k he said he would run with me. That is okay because I got my sister and a friend to run it. It was quite the challenge the last mile being a steady incline. The race was started well with the pledge of allegiance and the singing of our national anthem. I haven't heard any one say the pledge of allegiance for a very long time and man, it sounded so nice to hear it loud and clear from the crowd of runners that morning.

After the race, we just sat around for a little bit then headed out to the store to get a few last minute items...including fireworks. My favorite firework this year was the big parachute guy. It is one that you can do during the day and is loud.

When we got back from the store everyone started showing up. The kids played in the water while the food was being cooked. The adults sat around talking story and enjoying each others company. Cliff's back somehow started to hurt that day and he was in so much pain, but he still BBQ'd all of his YUMMY chicken and then took a ton of ibuprofen and off to bed he went for a couple of hours. Every year this is the day I make homemade ice cream. This year I took my brother's advice and did strawberry and boy it turned out SO DELICIOUS!

We pulled out the Mexican horseshoes game after eating and my sister and I were the champs, until my brother warmed up and then they barely beat us. That was the game for the night.

I don't know what the deal is, but kids absolutely love sparklers and pop its. I bought a box of pop its for each kid and then they all were able to have one huge sparkler.



Jakai wasn't into it so much because Aunty Shara had woken him up from his 4 1/2 hour nap. But, he sat there and watched the whole thing.



Lavea'i sat it my nieces lap the whole night chillin' with her. He did enjoy the show and kept looking at the neighbors when our were all done. He was really tired along with all of the other kids. Tula'i knocked out in my arms while everyone was getting ready to leave. But, I still had to give them baths so in the tub he went and cried the whole time. But, as soon as he was done into bed they all went and crashed in no time.



Kaleo was my helper in lighting the fireworks, but then my brother, Kimo took over so I could at least get these few pictures. I haven't seen him for so long he has just grown up so much. Time flies!



Maika's usual pose when he thinks that something is too loud. You will catch him and Tula'i covering their ears quite a bit.