Utah Trip Part II: Fun at Lisa's (Boxing, 4th of July, and some Random fun things)

We got to the Blaylock's home around noon July 4th. I had to clean the bathroom in the guestroom myself because it was filthy. Mark and Tootsie, my parents, and Michael all came up a little after Gabe and I arrived. For some pre-dinner entertainment, we watched the kids spar with boxing gloves. Next time, we'll place bets on who wins, haha. For dinner we had hotdogs, hamburgers, and chips in addition to what my parents brought up--potato salad and rhubarb coffee cake. Lisa made a rather bizarre peach jello pie for dessert, but I didn't try it.

 

Just chillin

Elisa and Aiden. Aiden is the only one that really knows what he's doing since he's in a Martial arts class. So, it was a fair match between him and Elisa since she's taller and older.

Elisa and Aaliyah were much less aggressive with each other than the boys. Their punches were more like cats pawing at each other.

Ian and Calvin. Calvin knows a little more about boxing from Aiden, so they were fairly matched since even though Ian is bigger and taller, he didn't really know what to do.

Later that evening we did fireworks. Lisa didn't try to put all the little boys to bed at 7 like she tried to last year. I didn't have any fireworks to contribute, but most of the family left anyway. So it was just me and my kids and the Blaylocks...plus Aaron who will occasionally come upstairs, most of the time just to do laundry. Anyway, we all had fun doing the fireworks. Eric got some pretty good aerial fireworks.  He shot them off towards the end of our fireworks (I guess as the finale). They were totally awesome, but they were super close to where we were sat, and we got rained on with ashes (and some embers!). It was too bad Erik couldn't be there. I didn't bother watching many other fireworks this year, I guess I've seen my share throughout my life. 

Gabe and his sparkler

Ian and Elisa had so much fun!

Ian and his sparkler

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The next few days were spent hanging around and doing a couple of fun things here and there. I didn't make a log, so these pictures will have to suffice: 

July 5

Aaliyah likes the pajamas I made her for Christmas 2021

July 5

Lisa took us to see the new Minion movie. We bought some popcorn and soda before the movie started. The kids liked the movie, I thought it was very, very average. Ian must sit by Mommy. Always.

July 6

My mom came up from Cedar hills to take Tom to a dental appointment. While she waited for him, we went out for lunch at the Bluefish Grill for some sushi, and then (not pictured) we stopped in Rooster's popcorn, where I bought some fun rainbow popcorn to use as bribery for the kids.

July 7

Elisa had a few playdates with her bff 2nd cousin Isabelle. I stayed for a bit and chatted with her grandpa who watches her for a few days a week, and then went to Sam's club to buy some food and get gas before going back to pick up Elisa. 

July 7

Ian, Aiden, and Calvin were inseparable and basically moved as one unit. Here, Ian and Aiden obsess over money. Not spending money, just money in and of itself. BTW, I do wish that someday, Aiden would wear actual clothes around the house for once!

July 9

Calvin being cute in all the stuffies and pillows