For the 4th of July, we were planning on going to a little hometown parade in a town just south of Bartlesville with an official population of about 500 people. We had heard about it from some friends who went last year. The kids were excited at the prospect of tractor floats and lots of candy. However, we woke up to several hours of rain. We decided instead to invite our friends over to have a parade inside our house. We put on some John Phillips Sousa and had the kids march around with flags. (Even though the kids were the ones in the parade, the adults were still the ones that threw out candy - that was the kids' requirement.)
That evening we went to see a fireworks show that is held every year by a family in our ward at their house outside of town. It's quite the event! They turn their field into a parking lot and everyone brings their camp chairs and some food to share. We didn't quite know what to expect last year, as we had just moved in before it happened. All of the sons and sons in law in the family have gotten their professional fireworks licenses and they put on the show themselves. There were probably one or two hundred people there this year. We usually run into several people that we know outside of church. Last year we even saw our next door neighbors there! We want you to see why so many people come. It's better than the fireworks the city puts on! Here are some of our pictures:
This picture doesn't do them justice, but you get to sit very close to where the fireworks are being shot off.
Even Talmage was impressed! (The yellow and pink things in his ears are earplugs that we picked up at the research center on the way out - a helpful tip some friends gave us. By the end he pulled them out and was, of course, trying to eat them.)
Morgan and Emma enjoy the fireworks and the treats. Morgan looked like he belonged in a barbershop quartet with his hat, given to him by the friends that came over for the parade.
Leslie and two of her boys. (Isn't she beautiful?)
The whole crew. The kids were really more excited than they look here, but it's hard to figure out exactly when to smile when someone is taking a picture of you in the dark.
Here is a short video so you can see just how cool these fireworks were. You can't hear it very well, but they are playing the 1812 Overture in the background. We had a great 4th of July and we hope you did, too!
(please forgive the picture. it is a picture of the very old news print)
Emma got a little nervous the first morning just realizing that there were "important" things she didn't know like "How will i find my quiet time toys?" and "Where did my teacher put my purple folder?" and "Who will help open my applesauce at lunch?" All questions were easily answered and she went happily into class. 
Morgan did just great and went into his new classroom with no hesitation. He really likes his new teacher. It's been a very easy transition for both of them. At the end of the first day i asked Emma what new friends she made and she said "I made everyone my friend!" So great.
She was so afraid that we would have to cut her finger off. I don't know how many times i had to explain, "No, we won't cut off your finger. Just the metal ball." After sending her back to bed she was still talking. Nate went in to check on her and she told Nate that now she was "Happier than everything." 
