4th of July...Bear Lake style

Bear Lake (Paris, Idaho to be exact) knows how to celebrate America's Birthday!  We start our day off with a beautiful tribute to America and its' heroes at the Patriotic Program.  It consists of musical numbers, choir numbers, stories, and my favorite: the salute to all branches of the military.  Each branches song is played and sung by the choir while each flag is brought down the aisle.  Members of the congregation that have served in their specific branches stand up during their song.  It is so touching and my heart swells with pride and gratitude for their sacrifices and service that they've given (and are giving) for our country.  My mother-in-law directs the choir and she does an amazing job. My sister-in-law Stephanie also had a solo and she did a great job too.  After the program, we all head to the street for the parade.  The kids love all the candy that is thrown their way.  Once the parade has walked by us (not once but twice----up the street---then back down :)) we go back home and enjoy a delicious bbq with family.  This year we packed the house and yard with many Arnell family members.  It was fun to catch-up with cousins and relatives that we don't see often.

Holden, his baby sister Avery, and Meagan

Tanner...a bit enthusiastic for the parade?

Lindsay...one year older (bday the day before) and so grown up!

Ellie.....not sure what she's looking at

Oh Tanner....you make the strangest faces :)

Peek-a-boo right back at you little man!

I'm guessing Abbey and Lindsay were dancing....its what they do these days.

Ellie and Cydnee

Taylor, Holden, and Meagan

Ellie, Brooklyn, Cydnee, Tanner, and Kayden

Go Ellie Go!

Cute cousins!

Happy Birthday America!