Happy Independence Day!

This 4th of July is our first in our "new neighborhood" even though we will have been here for a year at the end of this month.  I have said it before, and I will say it again, but we LOVE our community!  Having worked for one of the biggest patriots around, I have learned a thing or two about patriotism and living in what I consider to be the greatest country in the world.  For those out there that would disagree, I invite them to move to any country they deem to be better.  But moving on...

This 4th of July began with the Canyon Creek 4th of July neighborhood parade and we loved every minute of it!  Anyone who wants to participate in the parade can as long as they fill out a form.  Which meant that everyone from kids with decorated bikes, to classic cars, to festive walkers participated.

Right before the parade.  I title this one:"Path of destruction: One army crawl at a time."

Waiting in anticipation for the parade to begin. Not a bad seat in the house.

Favorite past times: Ansley pulling my hair from my head and Liam attempting to climb rickety old fences.

Daddy's girl!

Rare picture of Liam looking at the camera.  He was immediately peeved off after finding that the mamarazzi took his picture.

Bring on the festivities!

The Sons of the American Revolution kicked things off.

Cub Scouts playing kazoos

Patriotic pooch

Random (but great) band.

"Throw candy!"

Candy and bead throwers

Eating some mid-morning Skittles.  He looks a little like Flava Flav here. Or maybe Vanilla Ice

One of my favorite floats.

The Fort Lee brigade...minutes before their water cannons shot my camera.

After the parade ended we walked over to the country club for bounce houses and refreshments.  Our neighbors band played the event (have I mentioned that his wife went to Pius?).

Rare family picture.  And no, I did not pee my pants.  Darn Fort Lee float.

Liam loved the rocket bouncer.  However, the rising temps made it hard to stay on very long.

Another one of my favorite "parade floats."  The riding beer cooler.

Love our patriotic neighborhood and the fact that nobody will steal your bike while you lean it against a tree! Ha!

Confetti cannon

After the parade we spent the day swimming in the backyard, grilling (out for my Kansas peeps), and enjoying favorites like s'mores.  A fun filled day to remember our freedom!