Independence Day 2013

Are you ready for a barrage of red, white and blue? Did you not get enough fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend? Good! Because I have a ton of photos to share with you from our very fun and very full day. In fact, the four day weekend has been so jam packed that I haven't had time to post anything here until today. 

My three patriotic kids at the park before the parade started.

 We started our Fourth of July by meeting up with friends at 8:30 in the morning for the Edmond, OK Liberty Fest parade. This was the 41st year for the parade which features three marching bands, patriotic floats, clowns driving crazy tiny go-carts, both boy and girl scout troops, classic hot rods and motorcycles, fire trucks, police officers, and many veterans waving flags. Good old Americana at its best.

 Me posing pre-parade with my friends Sara and Nikki

My four favorite people in the world!

 If this picture had sound, you would hear the sirens going at full volume. It was loud!

Here come the Boy Scouts and the flags from all 50 states.

They also carried one enormous American Flag. It was pretty cool to watch it go by.

 One of the many red, white and blue floats to go by.

Lucas sat with his buddy Eli. Lucas thinks Eli is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Hannah and me.  She is my only child that looks a little bit like me. 

 We saw several Lady Liberties go by. 

What does Star Wars have to do with our nation's independence? Who knows, but they are still cool. 

Lucas and Mike nearly stood and saluted.

The parade ended at about 11:00 and from there we met my dad and Sally for lunch. We hadn't seen Sally since our trip to Big Cedar, so it was good to visit for awhile. Later we went home for mandatory naps-- Mike and myself included. We knew we'd be up late, so everyone had to rest. It was glorious. Soon enough, I was up and making food for our annual cookout and fireworks celebration with friends. And with that, round 2 of our Fourth Festivities began.

All the kids swimming in our friend Beth's pool. 

Another swimming shot. 

Hannah and Beth's sweet dog, Lucy. 

After a delicious feast for dinner, the sparklers came out. Those never fail to disappoint.

Lucas and his best bud, Marlee. These two turn 4 on the 24th and 27th of this month!

Leah, Parker and Hannah showing off their glow bracelets. It was finally starting to get dark. The big fireworks show didn't begin until 10:00, so we had a lot of time to kill.

My precious Leah Bee. I sure love this girl.

Lucas wanted in on the photo love, so I obliged him. 

I can't get enough of his sweet snuggles. I need to look at this picture when he is being a real stinker.

Finally 10 o'clock rolled around so we set up our chairs and situated our blankets for the best viewing of the Liberty Fest fireworks at the University of Central Oklahoma campus. Their show is always great. I captured just a small glimpse of the amazing grand finale.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!

Hope you all had a great time with your family and friends!