4th of July Tennessee Style 2015
So, when we first got to Tennessee the Nash's told us that the fireworks that are usually "illegal" in Las Vegas, are actually ALL legal here. They get so much moisture, that they aren't worried about fires. So, as soon as the BIG tents went up, Bart started scoping out what was available, and let me tell you - he was so excited!
Brandon wanted this bad boy. It was the largest that they had, and they were all mortars (go up in the air). Bart wanted more of a variety, so we shopped around. He tried to wheel & deal with one guy, and told him that when we go to the Indian reservation, that it is buy one get one. He wouldn't go for that, and he was kind of a jerk.
So, we ended up going to Phat Phil's who was in independent distributor. The guy was really cool, and Bart talked Ford trucks with him. We weren't able to buy one - get one, but the guy was willing to make a good deal for us. Sky wanted this HUGE roman candle.
This is our loot for tonight. The guy even threw in a few free fountains! But, I'm telling you, this isn't the only fireworks that we will have. I can guarantee you that Brandon and Bart will come home with some "surprise" additions.
On the actual day of the 4th of July holiday, it rained ALL day long. Bart even had to hold the umbrella for Valentine to be able to go to the bathroom. Luckily for us, she went 'cuz usually she will hold it until the rain stops, but today she was out of luck.
But, the troupers that we are, we headed over to the Nash's to get our dutch oven dinner started. It's going to be delicious! Dutch oven chicken, cowboy potatoes, apple cobbler and fresh fruit for dessert. Oh and fresh chocolate chip cookies that Bart made, oh and some chips, and I think that's all.
Sky passed her final cosmetology test and so she got Bart this shirt that says "I'm a PROUD Dad of a Freaking awesome Hair Stylist (Yes, she bought me this shirt). So, he wore it tonight just for her!
We got a comfy chair for Beth to sit in while we did all the cooking. We had to cook under the canopy where they park their wolverine because it was still raining like crazy. This way, she was able to visit with everyone, too.
At one point, the rain was coming down so hard, that it was hard to hear each other talk. Brandon and Bryce had put flags on the back of Brandon's truck so that they would wave as they drove around town. They weren't able to take them down, so I made them cover them with plastic to show respect for the flag.
Bart loves cooking with his dutch ovens, but he wasn't able to use briquettes tonight, so we had to pick up a propane stove to cook on. It worked out good too. The potatoes turned out awesome!
The poor Sister Missionaries didn't have anyone sign up to feed them tonight, so we invited them to come and eat with us. The one on the left is Sister Miller (she's new). They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
While we were sitting there visiting, we hear the TORNADO signal go off. WHAT??!! Jason went to watch the news to see what was going on, but by the time he got to the house, it went off. Now, I thought that it had to be windy, with crazy stormy weather for a tornado to happen. NOPE. It is when there is a cold front and a warm front that come together. So, I kinda got a little freaked out for a few moments.
Brandon photo bombing this picture - while Bart was getting dessert ready. So, one of the girls put their Dr. Suess hat on him - had to get a picture - Brandon wasn't the least bit thrilled, but was a good sport.
It got pretty nasty outside (I loved it!) But, they decided to eat inside, and there was limited lighting. Sky and Brandon sat at the kids table with the missionaries, and entertained all of them. The rest of us sat with the adults and enjoyed a great meal. It is so fun to just visit with everyone and not "have" to be anywhere, or rushed. The Nash's even remembered Beth from when she was in their Ward when they lived in Vegas, so they had a good little visit too.
Then Bart brought in dessert, and boy was it delicious! Even Melody and Jason are health food nuts, and they had some, and then even came back for seconds! I will just tell you...this was a double batch, and there was NOTHING left. It was that good!
Brandon bringing some entertainment to the group! It is never boring with these guys around.
We did bring the roman candles over so that the kids could shoot them off. The Nash's hadn't bought any fireworks, so we had a few for all of the kids. Parker and Beth even shot some off.
Obraum even got into it; and the girls. Obraum loved Barts cooking. He is such a great guy. He doesn't speak much English, but he is always has a smile on his face and is nice to us. Bryce liked him so much, that he wanted to take him home to Vegas with him. I don't think that the Nash's would have liked that though.
The Nash's took some family pictures in front of the American Flag. It is a pet peeve of mine when it is being displayed incorrectly. So, I kindly told them that it was wrong, because I knew that they would post the pictures on Facebook, and someone would complain. Anyway, Bart and I went back up to the barn and changed it so that it is correct now.
Showing their "True" colors. (Such a great family).
It was still raining until almost 10:00pm. But, there was a break in the storm, so we took full advantage of it. Unfortunately, the Sister missionaries had to be home by 8:00 pm (I didn't know that), so they weren't able to join us for fireworks. Anyway, we headed back to our house to light the BIG ones! The Nash crew and friends joined us. It took us almost 2 hours to shoot off ALL of the fireworks that we purchased earlier (along with some surprises from the guys - I told you). It was awesome! Did I say that it was AWESOME! It was Awesome. Bart was in heaven. His smile didn't go away the entire night - he was like a little kid!
Melody decided at the last minute to go and buy some sparklers for the kids to play with. So, that kept them entertained while the boys lit off the larger fireworks.
The house that we live in is part of an association. And, the day before the 4th of July, there was a guy that was pulling a wagon and putting a flag in the front yard of each and every house. Then the day after, he came by and collected them all again. That was kind of cool.
This is our fun group of the evening.
Back: Bryce, Bart, Jason, Parker, Melody
Front: Beth, Me, Obraum, Faith, Charity, Hope, Sky, Brandon
It was so fun, and even one of the neighbors came out and gave Bart one of those longer lighters that you use for BBQing so that we could light them faster/easier. The next day, Bart returned it to him, and he thanked us for putting on such great fireworks - he really enjoyed them. Yep, that's what it's like here in Good Ol' Tennessee.
It was one of THE BEST 4th of July's we have ever had!
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