A Fourth First

Being new to the area, I wasn't sure what sorts of things were going on locally for the Fourth of July. We weren't going to be with any extended family, so I decided to ask around and see what our little family could do. 

Since I was added to a local Google email group, I decided to email the local ladies and asked if fireworks were allowed or if there were any fun activities going on. I found out that fireworks were, sadly, NOT allowed in Washington, but that there were local fireworks shows in downtown Spokane, Liberty Lake and Coure d'Alene. At least we would have some options. 

Then I got an unexpected text from one of my new friends, Jen Lamoreaux. I had originally gotten in touch with her when we thought that we would be in the ward which her husband was the bishop of. However, after the recent boundary changes and split wards, we did not end up together. Lucky for me, that didn't stop her from taking me under her wing. 

She and her family own a vacation house in Idaho on a lake and invited us to come up for the Fourth to play on the water with them and stay for fireworks. I was so touched by her hospitality, and the boys were eager and excited at the idea of going out on a motor boat and seadoos for the first time! 

They had their own little sand beach by the dock, which Riley and the other boys LOVED digging around in. At first, the weather was cool and cloudy. We were worried that we wouldn't have the chance to play on the water, but that didn't stop the boys from wading in. The rest of us played some volleyball until the sun came out and things started to warm up. 

Random picture that Jake took without my permission, but which shows that I was actually present.

The boys got all suited up with their life vests. Even Riley was excited to try riding on the seadoo.

Riley did great! Then it was Brendan's turn.

Caleb really wanted to try driving, so we gave it a try. This would be his chance to show us what kind of future driver he will be! 

He ended up doing well and went out several more times both with Jacob and with some of our new friends.

Then it was time to take out the boat! Everyone hopped in and the boys got to take their first turn on the tube!

Riley got absolutely drenched, but they didn't fall off, so it was a win! Jacob and the dads, on the other hand, got fancy out there, putting their hands up like a rollercoaster and ate water!

Finally, it was the moms' turns. We screamed like school girls the entire time, but didn't fall off! Go moms! My arms were so sore afterwards, though! Here we are before.

And here we are after!

As things wound down, the boys did some fishing off the dock and we started a campfire, while waiting for it to get dark enough for fireworks.

It was absolutely gorgeous out there and the lake wasn't crowded at all. We practically had it to ourselves! The temperature was pleasant. The sky cleared. We enjoyed watching the stars come out and blanket the sky. We watched as little Chinese lanterns floated high over head from somewhere, and then we spotted the Big Dipper and planets Venus and Mars as they shown brightly.

The fireworks show, courtesy of the neighbors around the lake and our own pyrotechnics, was perfect. Riley fell asleep on my lap. All was right with the world. It was a wonderful Fourth. What a happy bunch of memories we made. A big thank you to the Lamoreaux family for including us in their festivities!