Happy 4th of July!

I love holidays! The excitement, anticipation and the opportunity to stop normal activities to celebrate couldn't be better. Last year on the 4th I attended my first Washington Nationals baseball game. It was awesome! Nothing is as American as watching baseball in the nation's capital, eating a hot dog and taking your picture with George Washington. 

It was fun but hot and crazy busy with so many people. This 4th of July we decided to take it easy with our 4-month-old Owen and celebrate more locally. A crabby baby can ruin any fun. We found a small old-fashioned neighborhood parade within walking distance from our house and thought we would give it a try. In preparation for the day I made Owen a super cute shirt with an American flag on the front.

 I thought this was adequate but boy was I wrong. It was a walking parade with costume contests, bike decorating contests and more. We were all dressed in our best red, white and blue with a few miniature flags to wave, but we were totally outdone by the other neighbors. I didn't even think to decorate our stroller to be in a parade or make our own float but it sure was fun to see everyone else's! We walked through the neighborhood waving to the sparse spectators along the way to the park where there was live music, bounce houses, hot dogs and snow cones. We set up our chairs in front of the band, and I went to grab a snow cone to cool off. I was shocked when I went to buy my snow cone and learned that everything in the park was free! The whole community contributes in one form or another to fund and create the festivities. We were unaware of the bring-a-dish-to-share policy but will be sure to contribute next year! We entered Owen in the Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Park competition (they just pick a name out of a hat for the winner). Sadly, he didn't win. Better luck next year!

We really enjoyed the parade and festivities that seemed more American because of the community hometown feel I am used to growing up in Oakley, Utah. In Oakley, the 4th of July is the biggest holiday of the year. People come out of the woodwork to volunteer and participate in the Pro Rodeo, patriotic program, parade, kids activities, etc. But since we couldn't be there this was the next best thing. After an eventful morning we took Owen home for a nap. We spent the afternoon recuperating, eating pizza and star shaped watermelon.

Then we loaded up to listen to the Air Force National Band at the Air Force Memorial and watch the fireworks. Listening to the patriotic music on the lawn, we thought about what a great country we live in. The fireworks were phenomenal as always and we walked home enjoying the night air. It was a great 4th of July and next year we will be sure to better prepare!