Independence Day

We had a nice, fairly relaxing 4th this year. I had the day off from work, which is always nice. Each year our ward has a picnic. We had fun eating sloppy joes and relaxing. The kids had fun playing games, running 3-legged races, etc. The weather was beautiful--sunny, but cool (in the 70's).

After the picnic we came home and hung out for my birthday. Nikole bought a couple of ribeyes and made a tasty marinade. I grilled them and some hamburgers for the kids.

Here I am blowing out my birthday candles. Nikole had initially put three small candles on one cupcake and a big number "1" candle on the other before I informed her that, in fact, I was turning 33, not 31. I think she was hoping I wouldn't catch the mistake and, knowing we are the same age, I would tell everyone that she is also 31. Or maybe she just likes younger men.

For dessert, Nikole had put together an ice cream tasting contest with seven different flavors. I was poised to win the trophy, but I mislabeled Drumstick ice cream as Tin Roof Sundae. Nate won instead (the kids only had to guess one of the ingredients in each flavor). That's fine with me. Either way we ended up with a freezer full of tasty, heart-healthy frozen treats!