4th of July 2008

Friday the 4th we headed downtown Pasco for the annual 4th of July Parade. We sat right by the pool since Kendle had swimming lessons, and since hardly anyone showed up she got to go down the big loopty-loop slide a dozen or so times. After her lesson she came and joined us for the rest of the parade and made a valiant attempt to retrieve as much candy as possible. There wasn't a ton to be had this year, but she did score two coupons for a free milkshake at McDonalds. Not too shabby. Morgan didn't enjoy the parade so much, but did perk up a bit when the firetrucks and ambulances came by. Other than that he was content to look for sticks and rocks and try to run away. The parade weather was comfortably warm with a slight breeze, much better than it's been the last few years. I'm bummed I did not get a picutre of our family with everyone decked out in their red, white, and blue.

After the parade we grabbed some lunch and headed back home to get ready for the BBQ we were having that night. We had invited some friends and family over to celebrate with us and it turned out to be really fun. Riley grilled some hot dogs and hamburgers and we set out big tubs of pop and ice in our backyard. Thanks to our guests we had lots of yummy sidedishes, chips, cookies, popsicles, and icecream. It was fun to just eat, relax and visit with everyone. The kids had fun playing on the swing set (thanks Riley for finally fixing it) they played limbo with the garden hose, and probably drank enough pop and ate enough sweets to last them until Halloween. They also had fun with the bubbles we got them:

The little ones enjoyed chasing them around. I got a kick out of how excited the kids were and how well they all played together.

I guess you could say the suckers were a big hit as well:

We're thankful for all of our friends and family that came and helped make it a fun time.

After everyone headed out, we grabbed some chairs and blankets and sat out in the front yard with my parents and grandparents to watch the fireworks from the stadium down the road. Little did we know we'd be getting a second free fireworks show from our neighbors two houses down. And little did they know, that a police man had been sitting there watching them with his lights off for a good ten minutes before he came and busted them. I don't know if people are just ignorant, or think they are above the law, but the city ordinance banning fireworks seemed to be one of those pick and choose laws for a lot of people in our neighborhood and surrounding area this year.

It started to get a little breezy during the fireworks and we all had sweatshirts or were wrapped up in blankets. Morgan was very laid back, drinking his bottle and leaning on me while he looked at the big explosions in the air. He clapped and said "yay" a few times. The fireworks were beautiful and while we were watching them, my grandfather told Kendle the story about how Francis Scott Key wrote the "Star Spangled Banner". It made me think what it would have meant to live back in those times, and through the dirt and grit and horror of war, be overcome with hope and a renewed spirit to see the American Flag still waving high in the air after a desperate battle. My heart is thankful.

After the fireworks were over, my parents offered to take Kendle home with them for the rest of the weekend, (yay) so we packed her a bag and sent her off down the road with a smile on her face. I'm so thankful to live close to my family, and it makes me happy that my children love to spend time with them. All in all, it was a great way to celebrate the 4th of July, and I can't wait to do it again next year!