I was talking with some of my children the other day. We all agree that the 4th of July is one of our very favorite holidays. For us it is all about family, with very little stress.
Dave and I began our morning with the Cherry Days 5k race.
Then Dad and Mom came over to join us for the parade. I had set up chairs the day before so we had a good spot.
It was HOT. We got there just before 9:30 because Lily and Jack had decorated their bikes and were in the Kid's Parade that starts before the real parade. The bikes went past so fast we never could pick out which kids they were. Luckily we had brought a couple of umbrellas for shade because it was in the 90's even that early in the morning.
The parade always lasts over an hour.
Holly and Cody and family always sit with the Stowers for the parade. We happened to spot them right across the street from us. So I ran across the street before the parade began to get a picture.
Somewhere just below the sun is the F-16 jets that flew over to start off the parade.
When the fire department came past they had their sirens going. Logan didn't like it.
The parade just keeps getting more lame every year. This year there were only two floats.
This would be my idea of a perfect July 4th parade: lots of floats with military men, past and present, maybe a few flaots depicting the Founding Fathers and a couple of bands playing Sousa songs. I don't mind all of the schools with their officers, cheerleaders, etc. But all of the businesses just driving by advertising their businesses, not even throwing candy - lame. I did like the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) car with the 5 veterans waving. But there needed to be more honoring of the military if you ask me.
Here is Weber High Band. Not playing Sousa.
Oh, I liked the horses that came past. The old-timer cars were kind of cool too. But the worst part of the parade this year was when we lost Logan. Just before the parade ended no one could find him. It was probably 30 - 40 minutes that he was missing. An older couple several blocks away finally found him and took him to the police. Cody was the one who found him with the police. I can't believe a three year old could wander that far so fast. The Lord answered all of our silent prayers in getting him back, for sure. So scary.
At noon we started our family barbecue. We invited all of my siblings and all of Dave's (that live in Utah, that is).
We had everyone bring their own meat to grill and a potluck to share. It always seems to work out even though we don't assign anyone anything specific to bring. We were a little heavy on the desserts this year, but that is ok. There were still baked beans, 2 salads, chips and lots of fruit.
I lightened the shady pictures so you can see everyone's faces. I love that our yard finally has a lot of shade.
The shark tank.
That evening we went to Farr West Freedom Festival where they always have Greek Food because their mayor is Greek. It is so good and only $4 for a plate full of deliciousness.
Happy Birthday, America. Three cheers for the red, white and blue!
1 comment:
I am afraid the RB parade has gone downhill too. It started late. We were near the end, and did not see anything until an hour after it was about to start. Perhaps that was because it was so sloowwww! There were large breaks between entries, and not as many businesses as politicians running for office. No floats, and no candy.
It didn't really matter because we sat on "Mormon Hill" in front of Jack in the Box with all the old friends. Instead of us and our kids, it was us and our kids and grandkids. That was fun.
Your day looks awesome, but I think that pool may be past capacity. So fun!
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