IT'S INDEPENCE DAY! (Gonna miss this, too!)

The 4th of July at the Pugh's lake cabin on Long Lake has been our very favorite fourth of July in our lives! Thank you so much for inviting us, Rick and Jan!

I think everyone is this picture is someone who has positively impacted our lives in the last eight years. I can't believe that we are moving!

The Pughs set up the volleyball net and just look how fabulous their yard is!

I think we'll start with some volleyball shots. Ben is in the front left.

I know. It's beautiful.

Last one, I promise!

There is also a wooded area between their house and the Smarts (who are also in our ward). Here we have Joseph, Noah Jones, Tanner Stoker, and Matthew Sant in action.

Time for some water shots, don't you think?

We were lucky enough to have the Baleros come with us this year! Here is Katie, Sari, and Christa, ready to hit the water, noodles in tow!

The Pughs have made this swimming area right at the front. The kids LOVE it! I won't even attempt to name them all, it's just to show you all the kids playing together so nicely.

Joseph LOVES the water. Just try to keep him out. (Foreshadowing here, wait until I get caught up on my posts!)

I bought these sharks at the dollar store and they were the best investment of my life! Daniel works on his, and Joseph rides while Sydney Grover and Spencer Larson look on.

Sorry for the glare. Matthew, at the bottom of the photo, is finally getting used to playing in the water. I am glad.

The dock is an endless source of entertainment. Jumping off. Getting each other wet with water guns... it's all fun.

The end of the dock party.

Brandon, Daniel, Darien, and Sloan made a raft out of noodles.

The paddle boat is always in demand. Usually the teens take it across the lake but they didn't this year.

Time for the out of water pictures.

Ben Pugh, Rachel, and Blake Grimes played some cards.

Camry Balero did too, when she wasn't playing volleyball.

Blake is very expressive. What caption do you think fits?
Just in from my friend, Utah: Blake: Do you have any twos? Rachel: Go fish.
VERY FUNNY! Hahaha!

Larry loves to play horseshoes. Dono and a few other men were playing also.

Yeah, he's good at it, too.

President Larson tells about the one that got away while Alan Jones, Rick Pugh, Gene Smart, and Lloyd Burchett listen in.

Rick Pugh ran things solo this year, since Jan was in Utah visiting her sweet new FIRST grandchild Kate. Kate is BEAUTIFUL! Allison's blog is listed at the side, if you're invited check her out.

Some of the womenfolk sitting around talking. Here we have Vicki Palmer, Dawn Larson, Marcie Grimes, Julie Stoker, and Stephanie Jones. Looks like Julie Grover is talking to Campbell Jones in the background.

I took a picture of Alan taking a picture because I think it's funny. I am weird like that.

My favorite young family - Hye Sean and Ku Kwon with Grace and Kaelyn! How cute are those girls!

Natalie Palmer and Courtney Grover.

I can't post about the Pugh's lake cabin without mentioning THE SWING.

It's huge.

It's really cool.

It's awesome. I love the expressions of the crowd.

I love that the big kids push the little kids, like Rachel is pushing Matthew.

Sari loves life.

She is hilarious.

This was her just before we left for the lake. Sari, Christa and Katie all made those tulle hats.

Back to the lake, and a photo of Daniel.

After the BBQ, we play some more, then we break out the Italian sodas. After that, it is fireworks time!

Here is Joseph, front of the line, launching a bottle rocket over the lake with his Stake President. Really, how many kids have that kind of relationship with their Stake President? Just one more thing we're gonna miss!

Check out all the kids, lining the lake to launch they bottle rockets! Rick lines the shore with pvc pipes so they can safely be launched. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I spend this whole time waiting for someone to lose a hand. So far, so good, though. Knock on wood.

Joseph and Sydney Grover must have lit bottle rockets for a half and hour. They seemed completely oblivious to the big fireworks going on overhead.

A sign of growing up, when we first started going to the lake, Daniel, Joseph, and Matthew would clock out. Then just Joseph and Matthew. This year, it was just Matthew.

We are so going to miss this! Thank you, Rick and Jan, for giving us some of our best Spokane memories! We love you guys!