He Loves The "F" Word

FIREWORKS!    FIREWORKS!     FIREWORKS!     FIREWORKS!     FIREWORKS!  

And the Rockets Red Glare

The Bombs Bursting In Air

Yep, that's what he loves best.

Our 3rd Annual Fourth of July party was a big hit! A blocked off street, fewer people and no little kids made this mama host more relaxed. No group picture but we totaled about 40 people. We were so pleased to have a special guest, Mr Firecracker himself, Rod Foley and family. We first attended the Foley 4th of July in 2004. The first few years of living in Omaha we couldn't image being anywhere other than their back yard and drove back to GI for the celebration but eventually we had to cut the umbilical cord. Having the pyromaniac crew back together made for an epic evening.

For three years now we have had a guest bring some "special" fireworks. I'm pretty sure we need to replace some sod in the neighbors yard thanks to the "special" boomers. I don't know what they are or where they get them. I'd like to keep it that way.

This was a big struggle for me but no time to make decorations. So sad but apparently no one noticed.

The Soccer Girls

The High School Group

The call themselves THE SQUAD

The Littles

And then the next day Chris' little sister and boyfriend showed up 24 hours late for the party. It wasn't intentional but it worked out for the best. We made dinner and sat on the deck watching fireworks. Another perfect evening!

FIREWORKS!     FREEDOM!    FAMILY!    FRIENDS!    FIREWORKS!    FREEDOM!

Fabulous Foley Fourth

It's an annual thing for us.

July 4th actually it was July 3rd with our dear friends in Grand Island.

15-20 families come together for fantastic food, fellowship and fireworks

usually we get to GI a day or two early to hang out with the Foleys and other local friends.  this year we were on a tight schedule.  Em now has a babysitting job and braces (not that one has anything to do with the other) but we had to take care of both before heading to GI. Still had a great time with old friends.

 this is just the small stuff, I didn't get a picture of the table with all the loot.

these boys go a little CRAZY when it comes to blowing up their money fireworks

a string of firecrackers almost as long as Liv is tall

our little firecrackers

distribution to the kiddos

fireworks are not my thing, I like to watch but not participate.

our good friend Drew helped Liv so Chris could deal (fireworks) and I could sit & visit

thanks Drew...you rock!

Em was a big help with sparklers for all the little kids 

the big girls found their spot to watch the display

the finale

537 shots to say...we love you america

you can watch it click here

***********************************************************

july 4th at nana & papas

the girls' favorite "smoke bomb"

I love the lanterns.

we saw so many of them, this is my red lantern

spectacular

this is one of those unsafe things that my biggest kid lets his daughters do

Once again, we attended the world famous Foley Fourth of July celebration. So it might not be "world" famous but it certainly is getting the attention of the folks in Grand Island. We first attended the firework party and BBQ back in 2004 with only a few families in attendance.  Most of us had one or two children.  Now not only have the families grown in size but the number of people invited have grown...some who came weren't even invited.  :)  This year the celebration included somewhere around 70 people.  Geesh!!!

 I know I already posted some pics of my cupcakes but this is the finished product.  The frosting was the best I have ever tasted.  I would like to keep the recipe a secret but it's not mine to hoard...found it on http://www.familyfun.com/ 

 Rod and Chris' arsenal

Let me add that Chris has already bought part of the finale for NEXT year.

  Look at these beautiful faces...I love 'em all! 

The dads say they put on this huge party for the kids. 

That's partially true...the dads are just big kids!

 Yes, I snapped this picture just as Olivia TOUCHED the burning punk!

 The two girliest girls at the party had PINK CHIC smoke bombs

 The whole neighborhood was full of pink smoke!

 Chris spent the whole evening handing out fireworks to everyone else's kids. 

Hopefully next year he will get to help his girls "play with explosives"

 What a face!

 Now the big boys get to play.  I shutter to think the amount of money they blew up

Rod was so proud of his finale that it found it's way onto youtube.  Click this... 2011 Foley Fireworks to see the best amateur firework display of 2011.

It's easy to forget the real beauty of this holiday.  There have been (and still are) men and women serving, fighting and dying to protect my freedoms.  Most of those freedoms I take for granted everyday...flying my flag, openly worshiping my God, wearing shorts, cutting my hair, voting, educating my daughters and the list goes on.  I am grateful that I can chose but it has come at a great cost.  Thank you to every soldier and soldier's loved one.

NOTE: Emma's camera has the firework pictures, I will add them later.