Independence Day

We had a nice relaxed Independence Day at the Jones house this year. We worked around the house in the morning, then had our friends the Cottam's over for a BBQ that night and had Susan and Greg over for fireworks. We made the Cottam's "Buzzard Bits" chicken on the barbeque and after dinner we played a couple of games. I made a Black Forest Cake for dessert. It was yummy. It was a belated birthday cake because, sometimes, if you want a birthday cake you have to make it yourself. No picture of the cake - I should have, 'cause it was pretty!
This past Monday we went to the Utah Symphony concert at Taylorsville Dayzz. Every year they do the 1812 overture with live cannons. After the concert they have fireworks. Dan didn't like the noise, but was fine if Gary covered his ears. The noise didn't seem to bother Evan and Jack. It was also Gary's Dad's 79th birthday! We had a family BBQ on Saturday (or was it Sunday?). It was fun to get everyone together and celebrate.My birthday was on the first. It was pretty much a normal day, except we went out to dinner with Eric and Leia that night. It was fun to have the boys tell me "Happy Birthday" over, and over again all day.
On Friday we took the boys up to Hogle Zoo for our annual trip. It was one of their Military Appreciation days, so we all got in free. I love taking the boys to the zoo. They always have a good time. On our way up Daniel started talking about riding the carousel. I had promised him when we went to the zoo with his preschool class that he could ride it when we came back as a family. He, Gary and Jack climbed on and Gary put him on his animal, then went to stand by Jack, who was a couple of animals behind Daniel. He was so excited to ride. But when it started moving, he burst into tears! Come to find out, he wanted his Papa to stand by him. I'll take that into consideration next time.Evan is talking up a storm now. I'd say he has a vocabulary of about 15 words. He has a few mixed up - like he says "thirsty" when he's hungry. But he is figuring out how to let us know what he wants. He is also honing his climbing skills. He'll try and climb anything near his size - from the couch to the coffee table to the dining room table. He thinks it's great to climg on top of a table and stand there. Luckily for him he hasn't fallen yet. He has also learned (finally) how to crawl down stairs the proper way - backwards. He took a tumble a couple of weeks ago trying to walk down the front stairs like his brothers do.
All of the cool rainy weather we had in June really has helped our garden to flourish. This past week we had broccoli from the garden and fresh baby red potatoes. I love having a backyard garden!