My Summer Vacation: Part 2

PART 2: The Anderson Family 4th of July SPECTACULAR

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So after LAGOON, we're back in Boise and it's time to kick off the festivities to the 2006 Anderson Family 4th of July Spectacular! And what, PRECISELY, does that consist of? Well, each year, it can change a bit here and there. I remember the 4th of July Spectacular's of my youth involving a family movie each year...normally to view a movie that was part of a SERIES of films (i.e. The Back To The Future series, and The Karate Kid series.....you get the picture), some kind of cook-out with my mom's incredible potato salad, and watching fireworks from the local fairgrounds or the likes. But as we've gotten older, and nieces and nephews were added, it's always changing and expanding. And since my FAVORITE HOLIDAY is the 4th of July, it's always fun to do whatever rolls along.

This year, the festivities included, for me, a movie with Tricky Hair Cutter Lady friend Natalie. And then, late afternoon, the family rolled over to Older Brother, Jeremy's house, and things got CRAZY! There was FOOD galore, the (newly) annual street hockey roller game, between adults and kids, a quick thunder/rain storm, tons of snaps and snakes, and one of the top 153 ILLEGAL firework displays in the Treasure Valley. Things were OFF the charts...and the night ended with everyone in Boise emptying into the streets, joining hands and singing 'God Bless America' - in English AND Spanish...so all of our migrant-worker friends in the area could feel more welcome.

But don't take MY words for the truth. Let the PICTURES do the talking! Take it away, Canon Elph PowerShot SD300!

While the games rolled on outside, Sister-in-Laws Christy (L) and Jackie (R) prepare the eats. (Christy is special....)

Outside, the kids start lacing up for the big game.

And....they're off.......

The game rolls along....

while Tanner takes a breather from the action....

and grabs a quick drink.

The Kids Team looks pretty conident that the win is theirs.

And then it was time to pull up a seat and watch the FIREWORKS!

And EVERYONE got involved in the show....

Branden shows his sparkler skills.

Sam tries to do her SPARKLER routine without error. Or cinged hair.

Brother Scott gets in on the action. Looks legal to me.

Tanner and Tyler face the cameras before their co-production...and then put it into effect, to rave reviews.

Flawless, right?

And the judes couldn't BE more excited about it.

The kids smile as they watch the SHOW!

"The Show"

The Grandkids make sure the Grandparents are awake and enjoying The Show, as well.

A special moment with Sam and Uncle Matt.

Branden tries to push over the tree to start a bonfire.

Who loves the 4th of July Spectacular? KAYLA DOES!

God Bless The USA...and Tyler, that he doesn't get burnt.

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And coming soon, our final installation of this series:

MY SUMMER VACATION: PART 3

A Mormon, A Jew and an African in California

don't miss it.....