Pyrotechnic Show 2011

Every four years, the Pyrotechnics Guild International Show (http://www.pgi.org/convention/2011/) comes to Fargo. It is the BIGGEST 4 day Firework show we've ever seen! This is the 2nd time it's been here since we've in Fargo but this time we made it a priority to see every night of it. (Besides, they are so close to us and SOOO LOUD that we weren't gonna sleep through them anyhow. LOL!) In 2007, we just went and parked at the Fairgrounds and watched them with the Babcocks but this year the PGI decided to charge for any parking lot on the Fairgrounds. Guess it's all about the mula! Whatever, right? At first, we thought we might not go (ya know-- in protest of them charging-- but for $5 for the whole family vs the $65/night to sit in the Stadium-- we decided we couldn't complain too much)
DAY ONE: Since Sunday was the first night (and they are charging this year)- we decided to just watch them from our backyard. We all climbed up on our playground fort and ended up with a decent view. Nothing like being close but worth checking them out!

DAY TWO: At Piano today, we got talking about the fireworks and Phil invited us to come sit by them right outside the Stadium. We agreed. After we parked, we took our camp chairs and met the Ericksons and the Christiansens for an awesome view of the show. We could hear the announcer and the music as well. Perfect seats for the kids to play around and enjoy the show. Glory and Landon had a blast playing by the cars. Thanks guys for sharing your Sunflower seeds and your company with us!

Here's what we got to see:

DAY THREE: We were going to meet them again but due to a sick baby and a "scary side of the highway" incident, none of the Christiansen clan could join us tonight. So we just went as a family. We missed our friends but we were not disappointed! Because we had to wait until Brett and Justice got back from Church meetings, we were cutting it close to make it there and so we got directed to park somewhere else than we had before. At first, we (what I mean is... me) was irritated about it but afterwards it only took us 2 minutes to get out so it turned out to be awesome and I had to repent of my bad attitude. LOL!

Another amazing show:

DAY FOUR-- FINALE: We can't believe the week is already over. I mean, believe me... we are ready for it to be quieter around here but have totally enjoyed the Fireworks! We talked the Dishers into joining us tonight. We had Josie over for a late over anyways. We also once again met the Christiansen Plus+ Group. (They had a mini-fam reunion with Phil's family) We had a very large group. So much fun! Unfortunately, it had downpoured rain this afternoon so the show was delayed a bit. I don't think it even started until 10: 45 or so. (We got there at 8:30 so needless to say, the kids were a little bit crazy by the time it started) It was a bit wet but not horrible. It definitely made it a bit more chilly but a few blankets and long PJs made it bareable.

It was worth the wait:

What an awesome experience! We LOVED the whole thing! Can't wait until them come back! Yeah for the PGI Fireworks!

Rescheduled Fireworks

Because of the storm we didn't get to finish all our fireworks so we let off a few more & did sparklers tonight. Our next door neighbor, Andrew came over for a bit.

The bugs were getting pretty bad so, I decided I'd get out the bug spray. I never usually spray around faces but Victoria gets bit on the face all the time so I thought I would do it this once. I told her to cover her eyes and I went to spray. Just happened that Justice lit off a firecracker at that exact moment. Victoria wanted to see it so she moved her hand an opened her eyes as I sprayed it. Oh my heavens!! OFF sprayed right into her eyes. We ran her in and washed her eyes out several times. Poor kid! She was not a happy camper. Luckily within an hour she was back to normal but it was scary for sure! Sorry little Linda!

ALSO about the BIG show...

It just happens that the Minnesota State Government is shutdown right now. Ironic since it's the 4th of July and we are supposed to be celebrating our great country. Anywho, the reason I mention this is because with the MN State Government shutdown- they decided NOT to do their firework show. {ND doesn't do one here in Fargo for some reason} But a couple sponsors stepped in and donated all the fireworks. Then God had a plan of His own with the storm last night. But because it was private sponsors, they rescheduled the Firework Show for tonight. There was no way the kids were gonna miss it!!

We packed up the kids, some blankets and a few treats. We got an awesome parking space and sat right under the fireworks. It was a perfect night! {Well except for almost blinding my kid. Oops!}

Celebrating the 4th in Minnesota

We headed to Minnesota to celebrate the 4th tonight. MSUM is the ONLY place in the Fargo/Moorhead area that celebrates with fireworks. Well, with anything actually! That's so crazy!!!! Especially because where I come from there were fairs, parades & a firework show at almost every park in the valley.  (I think that they do big stuff at the "Lakes" here BUT I guess they don't think us non-lake people need anything to do. What thoughtfulness! LOL!)

We hadn't even made plans to go until the Ericksons said they were going and asked if we'd like to go. Hey- why not? Afterall, it IS our Holiday! ;)

Our family (Brett, me, Liberty, Jutsice, Victoria, Glory, Matt & Haylie :) all met up with the Ericksons for some line-standing, bouncy, visiting, cookie-eating, glow-stick frisbee, firework fun!

They had free Bouncy Blowup Toys for the kids. More line standing for the Seamons family. Oh joy!!! They did get to go on about 3 or 4 a piece so they were happy! We ran into the Britts from our ward and the kids got to jump with Hannah. She's so darling! We also got to visit with the Langers. She was Justice's kindergarten teacher. Such a darling family!  The little girls did the Mickey Mouse house. Glory was in heaven. Victoria was way brave and did the Double Trouble with the older two. Justice & Liberty did the Bungee Cord one. It was so funny! Then they all jumped with Hannah on the last one. Lots of fun!!!

After a LONG wait at the PortaPotty line (Again-yeah for us!), we settled in to wait for the show. Brett had made his yummy cookies earlier today and Justice brought some to share. I also brought glow bracelets for the kids. They turned them into frisbee circles and had a blast tossing them to each other. With the rain last night, the mosquitos TOTALLY enjoyed their 4th with a massive feeding opportunity. Gotta LOVE North Dakota's wildlife! Right around 10 o'clock, people started coming by the hundreds. It was crazy! But worth it!! The show was great! Victoria took her normal place on Haylie's lap. Glory ended up being scared of the noise so she covered her eyes. That's helpful!!! LOL! Our family are OOOO and AHHHH-ers which always add to the fun of the fireworks, I think! Baby Logan loved them and Landon joined our blanket half way through to lay with us. Too cute!! Lots of fun! We just LOVE the 4th!

Just in case, you missed them or were straining to see them out your bedroom window, I documented them for you! LOL! They are so beautiful! Enjoy!!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

We partayed at the cars until almost midnight. LOL! Oh---- I mean we never got out of our parking space until almost midnight but hey- it's all perspective, right? We had a great time! Thanks to the Ironroads and the Ericksons for celebrating our freedom (and Fam Holiday) with us! Luv ya!