Monday, July 20, 2009

Let Freedom Ring

So it's taken me a while to post my 4th of July photos. At least it's still July.

For many years, it has been our family's tradition to spend the 4th of July in Idaho Falls. This was my dad's favorite holiday and he always looked forward to having the family there to celebrate with him. We have kept up the tradition since his death 3 years ago.

We still went this year, but some of our family members were absent, including my little niece Katelyn who found herself in the hospital having surgery for a severe sinus infection just a couple of days before the 4th. She was a very sick little girl, but thank goodness is home and doing much better now.

When we're in Idaho, we spend time together playing with the fun toys at Janee's house, grilling on the George, playing basketball and board games and lighting fireworks.














On the morning of the 4th, we always attend the parade. As you can see, this is a time when photographs fail to capture the true excitement of the Idaho Falls parade. Really, we're having a blast, though! Earler that morning, Parker, Morgan and I ran in the Freedom Run 5K. Thankfully, no one took a picture of me doing that!







We made our traditional trek to the cemetery to pay our respects to Grandpa Gary and light a few fireworks in his honor.



Luke's shirt is a fitting tribute to Daddy, also.

14 comments:

Sharon said...

Fun captures!

Unknown said...

Lovely captures! Looks likes you guys had a wonderful day. :)

--sme said...

What a neat family tradition--wonderful that you keep it alive like that. (And I love that you set off fireworks at the cemetery for your dad!!!) Great sequence of shots!

janett said...

These are really great, you can totally tell how much fun everyone had!

gjan said...

I'm so sad I missed it! Can't wait for next year.

Anonymous said...

What a happy looking family gathering!

Mandy said...

What a wonderful way to document a family tradition. I love the shirt that your brother had on...what an awesome tribute.

Reds said...

What a beautiful fun day!

Nicki said...

I am so envious of your family get-together. Unfortunately our family gatherings have dwindled to non-existence. I love the baby melt-down in the crowd shot (behind the boys) - these are priceless captures.

kimber said...

Are these shot with a wide angle lens? They are just beautiful!!

Angela2932 said...

You got some great shots from this gathering! I'm glad you're keeping your dad's tradition going. The fireworks idea is awesome!Wonderful b&ws. And you have one sweet little budding photographer there!

Suzy said...

How touching that y'all visit G-pa on the 4th! I love that the family is including him and honoring him with this tradition! Great captures of your family and parade to!

Tricia and Jon said...

Great pictures Margaret! We missed you!

Lance and Sue Zan said...

Really enjoyed the pictures. This was the first time I had really looked through all of them.
Thanks for posting. Wish we could have been there.