Fourth of July

The 4th of July is always a GREAT time. I really do love this holiday. This year was a bit different, but fun still the same.

Of course, it started with our playgroup decorating bikes, scooter, strollers, etc. to have our own little parade around the neighborhood. This parade is what convinced us that it was high time for Brielle to try riding a bike and give Ava the tricycle. I don't know why we were so behind on this but every other kid there was riding a bike and our poor girls were left in the dust. Just wait until next year! We did decorate Ava's baby stroller and Brie's tricycle and they were thrilled with it. I have found that crepe paper makes anything exciting.On the 3rd of July was the annual Millcreek 4th of July Parade. Brian and Rachel invited us to march with the float that they made. The theme of the parade was "New Beginnings". Brian and Rachel made a float honoring Fred's new beginning in America. The float itself was the ship that he came to America on from Scotland (full of whiskey). They had all of us march along side in our Buchanan tartan and Brian playing the bagpipes. It was so much fun and actually really neat to do this for Fred right now. The girls loved being with their cousins and seeing all the candy thrown out along the parade route. Honestly, the streets were filled with candy. No wonder Fred came to America. Zach was SO EXCITED about the little flag he got to hold. He was waving it frantically. He is very patriotic.
All the marchers. This included some of the kids and grandkids of Fred's brother Bill also.
Brian and Rachel and family with their fine float.
Yahoo! The float won first prize!! This is the victory push home by Scott and Brian.
We all went together for pizza and then to visit Papa Fred in the hospital. I think it was exciting for him to have us all come in together wearing our tartan and telling him of the first prize float.

That afternoon we went to our friend's house for a BBQ and swim party. It felt great to swim and hang out with friends. That is what makes this holiday so good. On the actual day of the 4th we went to church where we sang patriotic hymns and had a very good Sharing Time in Primary about freedom and our country.

The grand finale of the 4th was having all of the kids in bed by 8pm. Scott and I blew up the aero bed in the front room and watched the firework shows from NYC and Boston. Loved it. I felt bad that my kids saw no fireworks, but maybe they dreamed of them. It was a good 4th of July for everyone.