Monday, July 6, 2009

Fourth's Festivities

We went out to my Aunt's house on American Lake for the 4th. My Aunt and Uncle have been having a big Independence Day party there every year since I was little. I have fond memories of swimming in the lake, being part of the family parade and doing fireworks down by the lake edge after dark. Family and friends gather and decorate bikes, strollers, wagons and ourselves and then parade around their small neighborhood - usually with someone carrying the American flag and someone playing some music. Since our oldest son's birthday is on July 5th, we've spent the past 10 years partying and barbecuing at our house for the 4th and have missed out on the action over at the lake. The kids were so excited to ride their bikes in the parade this year. Little J liked being pushed in his stroller. Then it was time to hit the water! It was nice and hot and sunny all day - perfect for swimming! CT swims out to join some cousins on a raft. Little J does a little skinny dipping! Gotta air out the buns! He loves water but was frightened by the waves. His favorite was watching 'grandma' toss tennis balls way out for the dogs to retrieve.
Lots of great food and cousins to sit with for dinner! Here, CT, KN and MN laugh and eat next to their little cousin. After dinner everyone gathered down by the lake and fire pit to light fireworks, toast marshmallows and you couldn't turn your head fast enough to catch all of the wonderful firework displays going on along the lake. Thanks Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim for a fun and memorable July 4th!

8 comments:

Susie said...

Looks and sounds like loads of fun!!

Nancy M. said...

It looks like y'all had a lot of fun! Great pictures!

Anonymous said...

What a great way to celebrate - looks like so much fun.

KathyB. said...

I missed seeing Little J in the water....it was fun, and MN falling asleep in my arms during the fireworks show was the perfect ending to the day.

LindaSue said...

Absolutely a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day and the height of summer - glad you were able to be together and put new memories alongside older ones. Your family is beautiful - amazed at how like your mother's pictures YOU look when facing the camera.

Phil and Callie said...

It was sure a fun day. Great seeing you guys! I don't know how you keep track of four kids when I was exhausted after just chasing one around all day:)

Connie said...

What a fun day! I bet your kids (and you!) will have great memories of that day for years to come.

Lanny said...

Having fun catching up every where this morning, before it turns to afternoon! And yours is a favorite place for sure because you and yours are such good people. Your birthday boy is one of the nicest boys I know. It is just good to see pictures and hear of all the industry and Fourth Fun going on!