4th of July - 2014

Parade, Pool, BBQ and Fireworks pretty much sums up our 4th of July holiday.  It all started on the 3rd of July when we had the crew over for dinner to decorate for the neighborhood parade.

On the 4th the kids were up early and anxious to get down to the parade that morning.  I think Skylar was the most excited about wearing her new red tutu we got just for the holiday.

We were a bit worried about the girls riding in the parade since they mostly just ride in the back alley, but they rode like pros.

Sophie, Skylar & Abigial.

This is how Madden spent most of the morning.  He pulled the wagon we decorated for him and Johnny the whole time we were waiting for the parade to start.  I was so worried he was going to wear himself out pulling that thing all over the place in the heat.

Our family on the 4th.

The 3 Musketeers

Our great neighbors and friends!

Madden finally let go of the wagon  for a wrestling/hugging match with Johnny on the grass.  These two best buds can't get enough of each other.  

This year we decided to not go the full length of the parade.  It was pretty warm and we didn't want to wear out the kids too much.  Bless them, the girls did awesome and even though we were in the back of the pack the girls scootered the whole way and mostly up hill.  Madden and Johnny lasted about 20 feet in the wagon and than had CJ and I carried them, which made for a very hot and sweaty parade walk for me.  Even though it was another warm parade its worth sitting out there in the heat because the kids love every minute of it and its fun just being with friends.  

After the parade we hit the pool to cool down and have lunch.  We took naps and then headed down to the Lund's street for the neighborhood block party.  There was music, a ton of food, and drinks.  Everyone brought there own meat to grill and a side dish. 

TJ, Jake, and Craig.

Of course with some much going on, the kids barely ate dinner, but were able to find themselves a special treat.

 

By the time we left the block party the fireworks were going to start.  We went home, met up with Johnny and CJ and headed over to the lawn area in our neighborhood where you can watch three different firework shows.  The kids love running around with their glowsticks. Last year Madden was pretty scared of the fireworks, but this year he couldn't get enough.  Some people came with there own small fireworks that Madden loved watching, he kept asking for more after each one shot off.   The kids night finally ended at 10:00PM but I'm pretty sure they would of went all night had we let them.  

We are so lucky to have so many great friends in our neighborhood to celebrate such a fun holiday with.