Happy Fourth of July!

We had a great fourth of July this year!  Our neighborhood has a kid and dog parade that goes down our street.  We put the blanket on our front lawn and when the parade started it was more like a race.  To see who could bike down the street and back the fastest.  They did it a few times so we go to see everyone.  It was fun to see the kids and their bikes, scooters and roller skates all dressed up for the fourth.  After the parade, we meet down at the cul-de-sac where we said the pledge of allegiance, recognized the veterans in our neighborhood and had popsicles. There is even a Casey Court trophy for those who show pride in America.  The wheels are already turning in Aaron’s head on how we can win next year. 

 

Aaron and Andrew waiting for the parade to start.  Andrew loves kids and dogs, so this was so fun for him.

     

Some of the kids in the parade.

We then spent the evening at my parents house.  We have had a fourth of July tradition since I was about 10 or 12 years old where we would have a neighborhood BBQ and fireworks outside on the street.  We have even recruited people from Oregon for our tradition.  We have some good friends who live in Albion who last year some of their family came up for the fourth.  They had such a great time that they came again this year.  The Men (Jeremy, Scott, Tyler and Aaron) put on quite a good show for us.  It is fun to see what inventive ways they come up with to have a great show.  This was Chris’ (Emily’s boyfriend) first year with our tradition and I think he had a great time and will be added to the Manly Men Firework Club.  The grand finale was quite impressive this year. There was a group at the park who really enjoyed our show.  In fact one of them came over to thank us for a great show and tell us how impressed they were.

         

Enjoying the BBQ.

 

    

Playing on the trampoline.

         

Playing and waiting for it to get dark.

 

Kate and Andrew staying warm for the show.

  

Let the fun begin!

We are so grateful to live in this country of freedom and for the men and women who serve our country to keep us free.  We are very fortunate and blessed to live in this wonderful country.  The fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays.  I love when people show their pride for America.  I wish it would happen more than just once a year though.