The DeLorme Family: 4th of July Weekend

We had an incredible 4th of July weekend. Of course, we spent the majority of it at the cabin. The weather has been just gorgeous at the cabin all summer. It has been so sunny and warm. Until this weekend of course. It was much cooler and rainier than past weekends. It was like this at home as well, so it wasn't like we were missing good weather.
We headed up Friday night and stayed until Monday morning. This weekend was a blast because we had a lot of people up there. In addition to our family, my brother, sister's family, dad, and some friends were also up there. Despite the less than great weather, we still had a great time. We went on an amazing hike on Sunday morning that ended at a beautiful waterfall. The kids really liked their first hike and I see many more in our future. One rainy afternoon, we decided to break out Monopoly and show the kids how to play. They instantly loved it and Ashlyn won't stop talking about it. One night we also had a fire and made s'mores and sat around and talked. What a great weekend!
We woke up very early Monday morning to head to Buena Vista. My brother and I ran in the Independence Day race for the second year in a row. It is a very small race, but pretty well organized. A good portion of the course is a trail run along the Arkansas River. It is so beautiful. I haven't raced in a 5k for quite some time, and it felt good to race again.
After the race, Buena Vista had their 4th of July parade. Seeing that I am not from a small town, I love to see small town traditions like a parade. It was a lot of fun to watch and the kids had a great time catching candy that the floats threw out. After the parade, we had a quick lunch then headed back home.
We headed to my parents house that night for a 4th of July cookout. We had our traditional burger bar that was so good. We ate so much good food! The kids enjoyed throwing little pop its. Unfortunately, the fireworks that we usually watch went off the previous night, so there was no show. The kids were all pretty worn out from a weekend full of activity, so they headed home. I went with my mom, sister, and Ella towards the big city fireworks display. We weren't very close, but we still got to end our 4th of July with fireworks.

Not the sunny mountains we are used to seeing

Home sweet cabin

Looks a lot darker than usual

Of course she had to see her chipmunks

An old mining building of some sort. I am amazed at how well this particular building has held up all these years.

Gracie wanted to hold the B.B. gun. (This is NOT a real gun!)

Here comes the rain. It is pretty to look at.

Joey having fun

Gracie on our hike

Dawson did really well

Our reward at the end of the trail, a beautiful waterfall.

My dad and his best friend, Frank

Juice break before the return trip back

Taking a rest

Joey trying to be artistic

I have no clue what Joey is doing in this picture.

S'more time

Already a pro!

Papa is really good at roasting marshmellows.

It can't taste that bad Ella.

Dawson is a fan

Yum!

Goofy girl!

Bryan has been on a mission for quite some time to start a fire using nothing but wood and flint. He has yet to be successful, and this weekend he finally got it! He did it so many time he is a pro now.