A Festive Fourth

Since my parents have now been out-of-town two years in a row over July 4th, we've started our own activities that may just turn into traditions (at least while the kids are little).

Becky joined the four of us in the morning, and we all headed to the Carmel parade together.  This year I made David go to downtown Carmel to set up our seats ahead of time, but even the evening before was WAY too late to get a good seat!  Apparently people begin setting up as early as THREE days before!  So crazy.  He ended up setting the chairs in the median (what???), so naturally when we arrived to the parade the day of (and after it had begun), we could see that the median was taped off and our chairs were definitely not there.  Thankfully as we walked a few steps we found them on the ground, and we managed to squish ourselves in somewhere.

Collecting candy is most certainly Eli's favorite aspect of the parade.

Caught mid-selfies.  :)

Rebecca came back to our house after the parade for lunch and to visit for a little while.  Later in the afternoon David's parents joined us for more fun!  Carol sadly broke her foot just a couple days before the 4th, so she was stuck on crutches and a wheelchair, but of course was such a great sport!  We played and chatted at home for a bit, ate ice cream cones, then went again to the Westfield Rocks the 4th event.

Both kids loved taking turns riding on Grandma's lap!

 The kids played in the bounce house, had their faces painted, Eli participated in an obstacle course, and we learned that we will NEVER again pay for food at that event (what a rip-off!).

He sits so still and patient.  He chose fireworks, which was by far the quickest and easiest picture for them to paint.  So  much faster than last year's butterfly!

Eli REALLY enjoyed this fitbug obstacle course!  His first time through was trickier as he was figuring out what to do, but as soon as he finished he ran right back to do it all again (and much faster the 2nd time!)  His favorite part was the balance beams.  For days afterwards he would find ways to practice balancing wherever we were.  :)

A goofy photo booth at the event

Our day ended getting home at 7:00 p.m. and running the kids a quick bath to be ready for church the next morning.  I know I lose "cool mom" points with some for not taking our kids out to watch fireworks.  Honestly, after such a full day of fun they are both completely wiped (and so am I!)  When they are older and are better able to handle late nights (just one would throw them (and me) through a tailspin), we will enjoy staying out and watching fireworks together.  In the meantime, I am so thankful they sleep through the fireworks!

So grateful and blessed with many wonderful freedoms!  I'm grateful that I live in this great country, and that I can live, serve, and worship how I choose.