The 4th of July

My sister's family surprised us this year by coming and spending the 4th with us. It worked out great that it fell on a three day weekend. I was able to reserve a campsite at the Chruch's Warm Srpings. It's close enough it's not a huge deal to get there but far enough to say you vactioned.
Most everyone came in late Thursday night and we headed out to the springs Friday morning. We lucked out that another family asked a lifeguard to be there that evening so we got to swim after an excruciating hot day of setting up camp.
We thought we'd only get to swim on Saturday so this was an added bonus. Friday night about 6 a storm blew over. Literally. There were huge gusts of wind and the temparture dropped about 20 degrees (about 110 to about 90). That lasted about 20 minutes and then it was gone. What it left was amazing. Our campsite faced a beautiful sunset with every color imaginable streaked by the cloudy down pour of rain in the distance and illumenated by lighting flashes all over the sky. We were close enogh to hear the faint thunder but that's the great thing about the desert. You can see for miles but be no where near what you see. The lightning lasted about two hours. It was our own natural fireworks show. We couldn't have asked for anything better. Saturday we swam and played in the creeks that surrond the springs and then headed home in early afternoon so Brian could work. We just relaxed the rest of the day and then wathced the fireworks show near our home.
Taryn, Brian, Eric, Lyrae and Randy. Savoring what little shade they could after breakfast.
Taryn and Ashlee. Devin's to the left and that's Moni to the right getting into the smores popcorn mix. It's so unlike her to go for the chocolate. ha ha.
I had to get a shot of Brian BBQing to have proof that he actually did. It's usually me. I was grateful he took it over.



My sister and her youngest son



The pool and the whole family, except me of course.
Andrew and Lilly. My Nephew
and his wife. These are the two I did the wedding cake for a year ago.

The creek and the kids, Ashlee Taryn Brandon and Monika. There are a few places in the creek (they call it a river) that the water dams just enough to pool and then spill over.
My handsome young man. Can't you see him in about 8 years standing exactly the same driving the girls crazy? What a cutie!