Our week of fun at Aspen Grove had come to an end. But not before we ate one last meal prior to leaving.
There was a lot of waiting patiently for everyone to get packed up to go home.
Check-out at the office was completed and the registry book was signed. Little bonus was finding our names signed in the book in 2021.
We re-convened that evening at Golden Corral for a family dinner before going to the rodeo. Jacob's family was in Provo for the day and did not join us for dinner.
Glen and the guys did their usual job of going up to the Eaglewood golf course in the late afternoon to haul blankets and lawn chairs up to our favorite fireworks viewing spot.
We have heard about how wonderful the Oakley rodeo is for years and years. We finally had the chance to experience it firsthand.
It was a good rodeo. Not sure if I felt like it was any better than any other rodeo I've been to. Glen thought there was better skill at this rodeo. I am kind of partial to the Ogden rodeo.
We all had a good time, so that is what counts.
There was an exciting act when a standing bareback rider was doing tricks in the arena--the one where she went right over the fire with the two horses on either side of the fire stick.
After the rodeo the audience was invited to watch a fireworks and laser show.
Ben and Haley got permission from their bishop to bless their baby at our home on Sunday. That was a very lovely experience to have as the culmination of our Thomas family reunion before Jacob's family flew back home that evening.
Maverick Arlo Thomas looked just like his Great-grandfather Ward's namesake. All dressed in his little miniature white suit reminded me of how my dad looks in his white suit as a temple ordinance worker.
Before we knew it, it was time to prepare our celebratory fireworks day feast on Monday. I always love having cooks in the kitchen preparing yummy food for the group.
Jeff got in on the cooking action as he prepared a dutch oven peach cobbler for dessert.
They had orchestrated leaving several vehicles up close to the top so the little ones wouldn't have to walk too far after the fireworks show when it was late and they were so tired.
After dinner, Glen made shuttle runs getting all the families up the hill. Then the waiting for the sun to go down and the fireworks to begin.
Glen and I always enjoy walking home after the fireworks show. It is all downhill and so lovely walking in the darkness of night with all the cars driving past us down the street. Love the experience!
The family togetherness continued on into the next day when we went to Andy and Amanda's to have a July 4th cook-out.
Chef Andy was on duty as usual grilling up some delicious chicken.
Grandmother Amanda was on duty holding Maggie's new baby Arabella.
Even though we had just had a family dinner at Andy and Amanda's a mere two weeks earlier, whenever Mark's family comes to town calls for another family gathering.
Clint helped Nani get her sherbet ice cream slush drink ready for consumption.
There was a cornhole toss game set up to play.
It was a bit surprising when Andy brought out a torch. It worked great lighting the sparklers Amanda was passing out. We haven't been able to do home fireworks in our area for many years due to the fire code restrictions.
We had to recreate our family photo with Mark now included in the picture.
It was a wonderful Independence Day celebration. Love our family. Love our country. Love being an American.
