Fourth of July Celebrations!

We started our celebrations with the Fourth of July parade. The kids both had a chance to march in the parade (Owen with baseball, Paige with dance) but wanted to watch (i.e. collect candy) instead. The parade seems to have more and more candy every year and we spend half the time telling the kids not to run into the street to get it. It's always funny when the baseball teams go by too because they like to show off their throwing power by pelting you with candy. Right at the end of the parade there was a huge downpour and we walked home trying to hold the blankets over our heads but getting soaked anyway!
The next day we met some of Owen's friends (and their families) at a park and watched them get all crazy. They were very excited to see each other! Later that night we headed over to fireworks early so we would have a chance to do some rides at the festival. That was a little bit of a mess because we bought the kids wristbands but underestimated the length of time it would take to get through the lines. The kids ended up being able to do two rides before the fireworks started but they didn't seem to mind. They got off the ride, we found a spot to sit and the fireworks started. Great timing! Paige was so excited about the fireworks that she couldn't sit still. Eventually she got up and would jump with each firework, timing it for each BOOM! she heard.

Paige had some great transportation to the parade!

It was a little chilly at the parade but nothing that would keep a kid away from collecting candy.

This was World Cup time so the boys were doing their best folded-arm soccer player impressions

You can't tell but we're on the Ferris Wheel here

Pat and the kids got on this ride just before fireworks started!