our fourth

We had a wonderfully festive fourth of July celebration this past Monday. 

Auntie Tricia graciously invited us to her home-town of Blaine

to take part in the festivities there. It was a perfect, small-town celebration for our family. 

Tricia lives in the heart of town, so we were able to park at her house

and walk to the parade.....

waiting, waiting, waiting

finally it began! 

I loved how everyone stood and clapped for our military as they passed.

After the flags, there was a memorial for those who have given their lives for our country.

Large pictures of those who had died were carried across our path. 

It was quite moving.

And O the beautiful horses..... and cars..... and band 

and of course beautiful Lucy watching with us. 

Papa was so inspired by the motorcycles, that he had to go home that afternoon

and ride back on his. 

What a PERFECT day for a parade and for riding bikes!!

After the parade, we stopped back at Tricia's and then headed back to the heart of town

to view the old cars, get some hot dogs and cokes.....

and ice cream and cinnamon almonds and kettle corn. Yum!!

I love how Toby's head is peaking up in the back of the old car....

that was a total accident. I didn't realize he was in the picture!! 

 After lunch, we crashed at Tricia's. 

The children played in the back yard, the adults talked, relaxed and napped. 

Our family took another long walk around town.... after we stopped to get sunscreen.

I'm not quite prepared for sunny weather yet!! 

We cooked out for dinner and then headed back down the street,

to the water, for fireworks. 

It could not have been more perfect.

Thank you Tricia for your sweet hospitality!!