Independence Day!

This post is a little late, but we had a great 4th so I wanted to share. We started out going to a pancake breakfast and flag raising at the church (which I didn't get any pictures of). Then we walked to the end of our road for a parade. Our neighborhood does a really fun one with fire trucks and police motorcycles that were really fun. Then people in the neighborhood decorate their golf carts and drive them in the parade while they throw candy out for the people watching. Kason went last year and had been looking forward to it ever since. I don't think they he was disappointed! (Sadly I didn't get any pictures of that either).

Here is Ella all decked out in her patriotic attire (plus a watermelon stain, I think it just adds to the festive nature of the ensemble) After the parade we had lunch and naps and then we had some friends over and early dinner, games and socializing. It was really fun! Everyone chipped in and brought something to contribute and we all had a great time. They kids played in the water and on the swing set while the adults socialized inside the house.

Some of the guys (and Harley) ventured out into the heat and humidity to play some Cube. This is a game that my dad introduced to us and I think was enjoyed by all.

Then we headed off to the fireworks. Our neighborhood does a great show just a mile from our house, so some us walked and others all jumped in the back of a truck and we all got our spots on the lawn.

While we were waiting for it to get dark they had some live music and dance contests for the kids. Kason really got into it! Poor kid, he didn't win anything, but he was a very good sport about it!

Ella squeezed a little nap in, so she did better than expected. The fireworks didn't start until around 9:30, but they were worth the wait.

Kason enjoyed them very much, as usual.

Ella wasn't so sure about them, but felt comfortable enough watching, safely snuggled on Grammy's lap.

Harley did not like them at all. He spent the whole time on Reed's shoulder trying not to look. 

I don't know if you can see the cookie squished in his left hand, but he started that cookie seconds before the fireworks started and had it squeezed tight in his little fist all the way until I wiped it out at home. 

After the fireworks we enjoyed some sparklers. Kason felt like Harry Potter with a magic wand. He loved it!

Ella was pretty mesmerized as well

Even Harley was able to enjoy the sparklers. They weren't noisy and of course he watched from the safety of his Daddy's arms. What a great day!