4th Of July in Payson, AZ

 We decided to go spend 4th of July in Payson, AZ where it was cooler and we could actually go outside to watch fireworks. We were happy that BJ, Shannon and kids were able to join us! We left Mesa the morning of the 4th and since we couldn't check into our hotel until 4 p.m., we got some lunch and then went to Tonto Natural Bridge on a little hike. The kids did great. Hannah wanted to be carried the whole way and I was  impressed that Shannon carried her almost all the way up and down! I barely made it carrying myself, so I don't know how she did it!

Before the hike, Brodi was turning on the water fountain and Hannah caught the water with her mouth. They were having such a good time. It was so funny!

Bryan and I before the hike.

On our way to the cave......

We made it to the cave! Sam was so worried about going into a cave. He asked about it all the way there and once we finally got there, he was just fine and loved it. It was so nice and cool in the cave and there was water sprinkling down, which cooled us all off.

 Inside the cave. I don't know why these pictures turned out so blurry. 

After the hike, we went to see if we could check into our rooms at Best Western, but the rooms weren't ready yet, but they gave us a pool key and the kids went swimming. It was a beautiful afternoon.

After swimming, this crazy bunch went to dinner at Chili's.

Then we headed to the Payson Community Park where the fireworks were going to be held. We got there 2 hours before the fireworks started, but the kids played and kept themselves entertained.

  This beautiful lake was in front of where we were sitting.

 And finally the fireworks! They were beautiful and the weather was cool. We decided that this is our new tradition for 4th of July. We had such a fun time. And it was nice to be able to go 5 minutes to our hotel after the fireworks instead of driving 40 minutes home.