4th of July in Steamboat

We have kind of made a tradition of going to the mountains to celebrate the 4th.  This year we wanted to try out Steamboat Springs.  It is a little bit farther (4 hours), but it was worth it.  It is a much more relaxed, western town, and so beautiful.  

We left after Matthew got home from work on the third and got to our hotel around 10:30.  We got settled and in bed and woke up early for a day of fun.  We really had an "all-American" holiday...parade, rodeo and fireworks.  You can't get much more USA than that!

It was a fun day exploring the city and it really makes us want to get a pop-up camper one day.  We love the outdoors and would love to spend our summers camping.  Maybe next year!

We spent Friday swimming, fishing, and playing at the park.  Mason cried when we said it was time to go home.  He said he just loves the mountains sooo much!

my cuties dressed in their red, white, and blue.  I had someone ask me if I made their outfits (the same thing happened with their KK outfits from last summer).  No one here has ever seen coordinating outfits!

Waiting for the parade to start

He loved waving his flag as the "circus" went by.

my big boy

They like to sit on the same side of the booth at restaurants now.  Mason loves to entertain her!

Walking in the Yampa River.  Mason kept saying how much he loved the "ocean!"

Daddy painting her toenails in the hotel

taking a little rest

eating ice cream at the rodeo

killing time waiting for the fireworks

We had the best view in the city of the fireworks.  They start as soon as the rodeo is over.

I wish I could have captured Mason's excitement.  He would try to stay seated on the grass, but as soon as they popped he would jump up and down with his hand over his mouth.  He kept saying, "this is beautiful" and "mommy thank you thank you so much for bringing me here."  This was the highlight of his trip for sure.  Surprisingly, Evie wasn't scared of them either.  She is scared of the vacuum and flies, but not loud popping fireworks.  Go figure!  It was a special night that I will always remember!

We took Mason fishing at Casey's Pond

Our little outdoorsy boy

Sister was content reading to her baby while Mason fished.  :)

Went back to the river in our swimsuits

love these three so much