We began our celebrations by attending our annual ward 4th of July breakfast! It was a really looooonnnnng line. They planned on 150 and had more like 350 in attendance.
Breakfast was delicious!
Now, onto the games!
There's nothin' like a good ol' American potato sack race.
On your mark . . . get set . . . GO!
Joseph was way out in front and left everyone in the dust.
Hmmmm.
Orrin pelted Bishop Marler in the face with a water balloon in one of the games.
Now Orrin will get a taste of his own medicine.
Next, our family headed to the dollar movie at MCAS Miramar to see "Night at the Smithsonian." It was hilarious and we were glad we added this to our plans.
Next, we headed to the Point Loma 4th of July Carnival.
Aleya conquered the inflatable mountain.
More bouncing.
Finally . . . a showdown among brothers.
Who won? Well, after a lengthy duel, Orrin won when he lept to Joseph's pedestal and pushed him off. Cheater pants.
All the rides at this military carnival were FREE! That makes everything better!
More carnival rides!
Joseph and Orrin spun themselves dizzy on this bathtub-looking ride. Christian and I rode it, but I shouldn't have. I am not well enough. Lesson learned.
Here's my kind of ride. Slow and steady!
Happy Independence Day picture!
Thankfully, they had parking lot trams to take us to our car this year. Last year we had to walk a considerable distance, since you have to park off the base.
Next, we went to the USS Midway to watch the fireworks from the flight deck! Parking was crazy, so we decided to say a prayer. Within a minute we located a carload of elderly people leaving and had a prime FREE parking spot. 
We should have come earlier because we had to wait in a really long line to get on.
They had live bands entertaining us throughout the evening.
We staked out a prime spot. Christian was smart enough to have the kids bring the camping pads so they could lay comfortably on the concrete flight deck.
There was quite a crowd there. The tickets were limited to the first 3500 people and sold out several weeks ago.
Nice and comfy!
We were exhausted, but it was all worth it. Great atmosphere. Great music. Christian wishes we had done this every 4th of July. I only found out about it last year.
The fireworks at the San Diego Bay are all synchronized around the bay. It is quite an incredible sight!
It was a beautiful evening in San Diego aboard the USS Midway!
Check out the red white and blue reflections in the water. COOL!We had a jam-packed Independence Day this year . . . and it was FUN and MEMORABLE!
