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!
