32- Picture Salute to the 4th of July

I love my fancy pants camera, but rarely do I take the time to explore its many features and functions.  But every now and then, an event of epic proportions takes place that renews my interest in my camera... the 4th of July is just such an event and what ensues is a 32 picture salute to our 4th of July weekend!

We had the opportunity to go to Zac's family cabin in Island Park.  I don't think there could have been a busier place to spend our 4th, but it was well worth it.  All of Zac's family was able to make it, which brought our totals to 15 children and 8 adults, and it was no small feat cramming us all into a small cabin, but SO much fun!

Decorating festive 4th of July T-Shirts:

And showing them off at the small parade that went by the cabin.  We are just missing a few of our boys that got up early to catch fish :(

We also had fun at the beach near the cabin: 

  

And as night drew closer, I decided it was time to play with my camera effects.

Messing with shutter speeds... 

Can you see the flag she is waving?

One of the best parts of the whole 4th was watching the firework show from a boat on Island Park Reservoir...

We bundled up the baby.

And crammed everyone onto a large pontoon boat.

The sunset was magical and hundreds of boats congregated to watch the fireworks.  It was an amazing sight!

The fireworks were amazing.

These little cousins are two months apart and got to spend some time together.  I have a hunch that in another couple of years these girls are going to be fast friends. 

I think Grandma likes them.

And we certainly ended our cabin trip with a bang!  We took the kids to see Earthquake Lake.  It is a lake that was created in the 1950's when an earthquake triggered a landslide, which dammed a river and created a lake.  It is eerie to see all of these trees in the middle of the lake and see the cabins that were washed away and which landed helter skelter all around the surrounding area.

Unfortunately, it was here that our suburban decided to fall apart.  Needless to say, it is still in Island Park and we are home.  There were probably 10 miracles and even more good Samaritans that made a bad situation bearable.  And we know that we are watched over and protected.

Later at home, we lit off some fireworks of our own.  And this is the moment I live for with my camera... Sparkler Shots!

Hope your 4th was as spectacular as ours (minus the vehicle breakdown!)