Independence Day 2022

Happy Independence Day 2022! With our missionary needing to be in bed by 9:30 pm and Kaden having to get up early the next day for Encampment, we opted for a nice celebration at home.

 
We picked raspberries and did home projects in the yard which we know is boring- but was great to finally have time for. And Kaden woke up at 5:30 am to run with Hermana Stewart, then played pickle ball with the EQ Men, napped, played tennis with Dad, and eventually packed.

 
Hermana Stewart enjoyed her berries as her snack in between her morning lessons. She got the late afternoon off. Woohoo!

So we played some corn hole together (the guys won) before having a yummy barbecue. Makenna requested burgers!

 
Then it sprinkled a bit so we played a rousing card game called the Moral Conflict which asks question about who would be most likely to commit a moral situation- Like Apples to Apples, it is a contest of voting, then who gets the most points or cards. Although whoever gets the most points actually loses. And the most moral person is the one with the least cards:

Cards say things like:

Who would be most likely to ask for the manager. (I took that one.)
Who is most likely to laugh at someone falling over. (Makenna took that one.)
We laughed so hard- and yet it was kind of telling how well known we each are for certain things. Kind of a good soul searching game. Highly recommend- if you know how to laugh at yourself. I walked away learning some things I’d like to do different, though. Makenna and I pretty much lost. Alyssa also scored a bunch of cards just by being a kid and not having certain social skills yet.

Damon and Bryce creamed us all. They are so good- perfect angels practically. Haha.

At some point we had a nice back yard scripture study which Hermana Stewart led us in studying from Preach my Gospel. We studied the attributes of the Savior and each took an attribute to study and share. It was my most favorite part of the day hearing each and every family member testify of the Savior and how we can become more like Him.

 
We had a few fun evening fireworks and our last one was pretty awesome- for a legal firework.
Those of us still awake enjoyed our back patio views of the aerials being set off by neighbors in all directions. It was a lovely celebration!! Happy Birthday America!

Kaden acting as Hermana Stewart’s companion got up regularly to run with her at 5:30 AM. This from a kid that we once bought various alarm clocks for to help him wake up- now he loves to get up early. This warms my heart.

Berries and Snickerdoodles for our missionary today!

Alyssa wins the prize for dressing most patriotic!

Jello

Bryce wins the prize for wearing this shirt he got for his birthday in APRIL…for the first time!

Hermana Stewart lighting things up!

Our slanted yard added an extra element of challenge.

Corn hole is always fun.

We forgot to use the glow feature of this kit because we were having so much fun playing Moral Conflict.

Girls in the van for fireworks. Alyssa insisted.

Kaden counting up the dollars we are burning this year.

Hermana Stewart and Alyssa- we are going to really miss big sis bonds around here!

Our last one got the neighbors attention- and some applause which was fun.

Back porch fireworks viewing. Thanks neighbors!