Happy 4th of July!

One of the perks of living in this small town is the 4th of July celebration. It's unlike anything you've ever seen before - and I mean that in a good way! Starting in the wee hours of the morning, dynamite starts going off at various places around town. (I swear that it even gets blown up right here next to the house - the windows rattle and everything!) Then, the whole town lines the street next to the school and we watch the parade. This parade includes kids with decorated bicycles, 4-wheelers, motorbikes, horses and family "floats". This is probably only the second year we haven't done a float. The kids were disappointed, but they enjoyed picking up the candy that was thrown their way. I promised them that next year I would get on top of it sooner and we could have a float. After the parade is the town program. The preschoolers ALWAYS say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing "The Star Spangled Banner". Since this was Kari's last year of preschool, it was the last year of her doing this in the program. It was kinda sad! She did a great job and knew all the words! Next comes lunch served by the scouts (a fundraiser) and then the games start. First the foot races and then midway games and water games. So, from the first dynamite blast until we leave the games and go home it's about 10 hours (5 am to 3 pm). Later that night are the fireworks. There aren't just a few big fireworks, there are tons of them! I love the 4th of July in our little town!

The parade.

Kari saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the "Star-Spangled Banner"

The foot races (my girls are in the pink shirts with the flags).

Midway games.

The dunking booth (the kids like being dunked better than throwing the baseballs to dunk people).

Kari riding the water slide.

4th of July night - we roasted marshmallows and made smores while watching the fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!!