The Best 4th Of July

One of the things that we just can't get over is how beautiful and how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful place. What a cool day this was today for our family. We joined our old ward-the Aliamanu Ward for a BBQ and "Beach Day" at Bellows Air Force Base to honor the day of our Independence. There was plenty of food, games, and all kinds of mingling. It was nice to see everyone again. It had been awhile since we showed our faces together so they were all so delighted to see us there.

One of the activities in particular was a watermelon eating contest. Like always, Mike loves to participate. Well, he did a good job! Him and another member were on the same team and it was a contest to see who could eat the most watermelon in just 2 minutes. Mike and his teammate won and it turns out that they ate about 16 pieces! Mike alone, devoured well over half of them. Look at the juice and seeds all over his arm! He could barely keep it all in his mouth he kept eating it so fast. Mike later mentioned when he was younger and attended his dad's party for his work, they had a watermelon contest as well, where him and his dad went head to head-Mike wasn't so successful in that one. But, I guess it was good training. The look on Brandon's face is so curious. I don't think he's ever seen his dad eat so fast.

Mike wanted to spend some time in the waves with Brandon so Mike put him in a life vest for the very first time. Brandon loved it. He just looks so adorable in it. It used to be so difficult for us to get Brandon to enjoy going to the beach. He was always terrified of the waves crashing into the beach and he always wanted to be carried and go home. He would never let us put hime down But now? TOTAL 360! He absolutely loves the beach! He could stay there for days if he had the chance. He's still a little scared to be in the water by himself, but if he's with daddy, he enjoys every minute of it. Brandon will always say "Daddy, go dere," and he'll point out into the deep end. It's so cute. He's such a good boy.

I'm not sure what it is, but it seems like Mike has a way with other kids. They always want to play with him. Everytime the waves would come in Mike would pick this boy up and launch him into the waves. He just kept coming back for more.

Well, the day at the beach didn't really last all that long because we ended up being kicked out of the water because of their being 3 aggressive tiger sharks along the shoreline. This was definitely a first for both of us.

We ended up being so tired and exhausted from the beach that we didn't really do much for "fireworks." Mike wanted to spend the evening with one of his best friends who is a single, divorced father. It was a good time spending it with him. We just hung out, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed an evening with the missionaries as well. What a great day it was today. We had so much fun! It has been awhile since we had a real "family day" so this was certainly a nice way to spend some time together.