Fourth of July in Nebraska

We made our annual trip to Nebraska for the Fourth of July. We started our journey by going to Lincoln for a night. While there we toured Memorial (north) Stadium.

It was 130 degrees on the turf so they weren't taking people on the field the day we toured. We were left to admire the field through the locked chain link gate. The head grounds keeper happened to drive by. Told us he could not resist the kids' faces so he unlocked the gate and let us in.

While eating dinner at one of our favorite places little Carson noticed the Husker quarterback walk in. Martinez and other football players were eating a few tables down from us. The kids thought this was pretty cool.

The kids and I headed to visit my sister and her family the following day while daddy attended a concert. We then visited Papa and Mimi.
     
Finally we made it to Boom's and Gee's for the Fourth of July celebration. There was volleyball, water slides, small fireworks, a barbecue, friends, boating, tubing, baseball, and lots, and lots of fun.
   
Unfortunately, due to extreme dry conditions in the area where the lake is located there was a ban on lighting large fireworks. We were unable to have our late night fireworks display so we instead went out on the boat "glowing" for a nice little boat ride.

Thank you family and friends for helping us make lots of wonderful memories this Fourth of July trip to Nebraska.

The Fourth of July

We typically go to my in-law's cabin in Nebraska for the Fourth of July. This year was no different. They always have a fantastic party (with party shirts for everybody) that has grown and grown over the years. The party officially begins with the adults vs. kids volleyball game at the top of the hill at Murphy's cabin. The adults always win the volleyball game thanks to my father-in-law's unique scoring system. (And when I say kids, I mean anyone under the age of 45.) During and after the volleyball game the younger kids play mini golf or go down the Super Slide (which came from FantaSea right here in Wichita, KS. It's the real deal.) Carson loved the super slide this year! Owen, not so much. Going down once was enough for Owen. After socializing and when those activities are over everybody heads to my in-law's cabin for an outstanding cook-out with the most amazing food you could imagine. The night ends (in theory) with fireworks. The fireworks show is always an adventure! Too hard to explain why. Take my word. During the fireworks show the little kids glow. They have glow necklaces, bracelets and glow suckers. The Fourth of July party is fun for all ages. This year the forecast said it was supposed to rain all day. It sprinkled in the morning, but the skies cleared up by 2pm. It was a beautiful day!

Carson and Owen swimming with Papa as Daddy watches.

Testing some fireworks on July 03.

Stella watches Owen golf.

My Father-In-Law explaining the ever changing rules.

Watching the game...or shall I say pretending to watch the volleyball game as they socialize.

Isaac even got a party shirt.

Cousin Kate and Stella with their hair and t-shirts alike.

Carson runs down the Super Slide. (This makes his mama a little nervous.)

And into the water he goes!

Owen preferred to observe.

A friendly football game after dinner.

The fireworks platform arrives!

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Little Jack, Owen and Carson

Kate, Owen, Carson and Jack take their positions for watching fireworks. They've got their suckers, necklaces, and bracelets all lit up. Let the fun begin.

This is actually how dark it was. The kids glow as they watch the fireworks.

Thank you Gary and Nancy and all our friends and family for a wonderful Fourth of July.