4th of july

For the first time since we moved to New York, we finally returned to Lewiston for the 4th of July festivities, and nothing has changed - I still felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. 

I was so excited for the fun to begin.  We went to Utah a few days before the 4th and enjoyed time with both of our families.  We made a trip to Bear Lake and enjoyed driving through the beautiful canyons.  As always, the water was freezing but it was nice to have a fresh water lake instead of salt water.  On our way back we stopped and grabbed a Bear Lake raspberry shake - a must when in Bear Lake.  The next day we floated the Onieda Narrows and loved just floating down the river and taking in the beautiful mountains.  After a few BBQ's with friends and family we were ready for the 4th (technically the 5th).

This is the first time I have been back in the summer and I can't believe I forgot how much I loved Utah summers.  While everyone in NY was dying from the humidity, we had to where our jackets at night when it cooled off.  However my body had a hard time adjusting to the dry heat and I got 3 bloody noses the first day I was there

On the morning of the 4th we woke up bright and early to the cannon salute and hurried and got ready for the Fireman's pancake breakfast.  After breakfast we walked over to the church just in time to see the runners finishing the race where our brother-in-law, Josh, came in second in the 10k.  Then it was on to the big parade.  The parade is a very big deal in Lewiston, so much, that many people park their cars and trailers along the parade route a week before.  Both of our parents live along the parade route and you wouldn't believe how many people not only sit right in front of their houses but some people even sit in the chairs we put out for our friends and family.  This year Jason's grandparents were the Grand Marshalls of the parade.  When explaining to the younger cousins what exactly the Grand Marshall was, Jason's uncle told them that Grandpa Larry was the president of the parade:)  Larry and Carolyn have done so much for Lewiston and definitley deserved the honor of being the Grand Marshalls. 

After the parade we went across the street to check out the activities in the park, watch the kids go on all the blow up rides and visit with friends.  Jason was very excited to finally get to go to the Lewiston rodeo, and it didn't disapoint.  After the rodeo we relaxed and visted with family, watched the softball tournament, played a mean game of volleyball at my parents and enjoyed a wonderful BBQ with Jason's family.

The firework display, all though nothing compared to Macy's, provided the perfect ending to a wonderful day.  We are so glad we were able to make the 4th this year and had so much fun seeing family and catching up with old friends.

Shae posing with her cousin Carter

Waiting for the parade to start

The Grand Marshalls

Dylan enjoying all of the attention

The Lewiston Rodeo

Dipping the red, white and blue strawberries - a McKnight family tradition

Fireworks

The Finale