Independance Day fun

I love me tradition.  Anything tradition and of course each holiday brings it's own set.

The 4th of July is no exception, but I find that as the kids get older and time goes on, the activities vary a little bit.  The one thing that doesn't change is the WJ Parade!

I headed over to "our"spot early in the morning and laid out chairs and a blanket to reserve.  Then went back a little later and sat down to read my book, people watch and wait for our friends to get there.

Once Ree, Debbie and Liam appeared, Splenda wasn't too far behind with Chloee and our canopy.  The day was overcast so the sun wasn't an issue, but the rain could very well be.

Once we got all set up, Splenda went back home to finish a stair project and the rest of us went into Jim's for breakfast.  Ahhhhh - love Jim's.  Great pancakes with strawberries and whip cream and scones!  Wish I had a picture, but I was too busy making sure Chloee didn't tip in her chair or spill her drink.

We made it outside and to our chairs in perfect timing.

Debbie, Chloee, Liam and Ree (the kids were being silly)

Chloee and Liam were anxiously awaiting the first entrance and the American flag to come by

And of course the goodies they hand out are usually a hit

The funnest part is getting the candy - although I have to credit the two little's.  They are used to waiting in line and taking turns and generally a very orderly manner to things. The chaos of kids running in the street willy nilly was a little foreign to them.  Maybe not as much candy scored, but I will take their behavior over that any day of the week!

Ree is such a good sport

Mimi - did you see dose motorcycles?  Yes, baby I sure did!  : )

After the parade - which by the way gets more awful as the years pass, but that's another blog post for another day when I feel like complaining about something.

Anywhoodle - we parted ways with the Thompsons and went home to play and get ready for the evening events.

Tib and her family invited us over for burgers, dogs and some *coughillegalcough* fireworks.  After Dave finished his stair project, mowed the lawn (I'm such a slavedriver), he cleaned up and we headed to the Erickson's.  ALWAYS a good time there!

Chloee is NOT a fan of the loud noises so she spent some of the time hiding in the house where she could watch but not have to hear

She did however LOVE the sparklers!

Splenda has never been much of a pyro but he found his fun with Ethan and his buddy and the basketball

Before dark, we took Chloee home and met up with Tuffy, 'Tana, Luke and Jess for some family firework watching and screwing around with my camera

Yeah - let's snap of pic of mom at her worst best

And miss Jess

And Splenda

Luke

Luke again (Jessica must have had the camera)

We have the greatest set up - we can sit in our kitchen (the kids were on the roof) and watch the WJ firewoks without ever leaving home. Best.Ever.

It was a fabulous Fourth of July.  Thanks to great friends, the Thompsons, the Ericksons, my kids.

And a bigger thanks to and for Corbin and his brothers in arms who work every day to ensure our freedom!