Our tradition of attending the annual Fourth of July Parade in Sugar Creek, MO, continued this year . . . but MAN. . .it was a HOT one!!!
Umbrellas, sun screen and lots and lots of water were in order for sure!
As you can tell, I brought my patriotic beach umbrella this year and I was really glad I did as it provided a much bigger amount of shade.
The parade had tons of wonderful enteries and, as you can see. . .
the Grand Girl enjoyed waving at some of them.
This was the entry from Jacob Turk, who is running for the House of Representatives from the 5th District. He will have my vote again this year.
Grand Boy #1 enjoyed a lollipop while watching the parade.
He loves firetrucks. . . and this one in particular as it is owned and driven by a friend of ours.
The Grand Girl and Boy, along with their buddy, are becoming old pros at picking up candy thrown out by the various parade entries!
As I said, it was a real scorcher this year, so our son spent a lot of his time keeping Grand Boy #2 safely out of the sun. He slept through most of his first 4th of July parade. :)
Speaking of parade candy. . .our DIL (on the right) and her friend, were really happy to snag a box of DOTS!!
Following the parade, we head to a local park to have a wonderful picnic. Toasting the 4th with good friends has become a tradtion, too.
My plate!!!
Following our meal, we were treated to a ride on the vintage firetruck!!
Our friend has made wooden steps so we can get on easier. . .much better than when we used to have to scale the sides!! He also has wooden benches for us to sit on!
The Grand Girl had a great spot!! Her dad, 3 year old brother and Nana were on a wooden bench in the back! :) Her Mom stayed back at the park with her baby brother this year, as did her grand dad.
Later, the owner of the truck was presented with a plaque and a little cash prize for winning 2nd place in the parade entries!!! Congrats!!!!
Because it was sooooo hot, we all left the picnic early this year. . .right after we got our annual group shot of everyone who attended the picnic. However, just before we gathered for that picture, I was holding a sleeping Grand Boy #2. . .and couldn't resist photographing his amazing little tootsies. He's 6 months old right now. Next July 4th, he will be toddling around . . .this year he was content to be passed around so others could cuddle and hug him or to let his big sister and brother push him around in his little umbrella stroller.
Dana, your Fourth of July looked just perfect - All-American, family and fun. And, you had just the exact right of pink in those ten little toes. So sweet.
Happy Pink Saturday.♥ I hope you get to shed your splint. You will be dancing a jig. But, no tripping please.
Posted by: | July 06, 2012 at 09:58 AM
Hi Dana, you amaze me with how quickly you link at three o'clock. HA! I finished my post at three and saw an error so I had to correct it first.
Thank you for the sweet comment about my family. We are blessed to be in a family where there is no one to be ashamed of. There is over 150 family members just from my parents. It boggles the mind. HA!
Your fourth of July celebration is so terrific. Your photos make me feel like I was there. However, I am glad I 'felt' like I was there and instead enjoying my air cond. in my home. We chilled and it felt good. Your grands are so darling. The parade is always fun and everyone is having a good time. That is the way the 4th of July should be.
I'm glad your hand is improving but you still have a ways to go. When I broke my thumb I was in a hard cast for 6 weeks. Then a LOT of therapy to get it moving again. I think it is good that you can remove the splint and do some easy exercises. That will keep your hand easier to fix in therapy. You poor thing.
You made me smile about the four leaf clover. One time my car broke down with all five of my little ones with me. I kept telling the children to look for a four leaf clover and help would come when we found one. The clover was growing all over the side of the road. Wouldn't you know I found the most beautiful large four leaf clover and help arrived almost at the same time. My kids were believers. HA!
Happy cooler days are wished for you my dear friend.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | July 06, 2012 at 12:59 PM
It all looks so wonderful and All American. You are really brave to get out in the heat! The kids look adorable - I think I remember your pictures of your grandgirl when she had no brothers! The firetruck is so cool and what a sweet guy to build stairs. It looks like it was the best seat in the house. The baby feet are the sweetest and what a little trooper to just sleep the heat away instead of getting fussy. I hope it cools off there - it looks like you guys are getting the absolute worst of the heat. Hope your hand has healed enough to get something a little cooler and lighter. Loved your post and your pictures. xo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | July 06, 2012 at 01:00 PM
I'm back...Remember when I did my post I thought I had left some of my jewelry at Shirley's. Well, Bill just found the box I thought I left in his camera bag. Poor Shirley has been going crazy looking for it. What a guy. What possessed him to do that? I was worried sick about my HA charm bracelet. I love it so much. Thank you again for such a thoughtful gift as well as everything you gave me. I am using the post it heart so often. It is so handy.
All's well that ends well!!!
xoxoxo,
Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | July 06, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Looks like you had a wonderful time on the 4th, and it's great news you are nearly all better again. Happy Pink Saturday from a cold and raining UK!
Posted by: Susie Jefferson | July 06, 2012 at 01:17 PM
HPS!
How fun! Was it hot there as well? We are roasting in T.O.
Gabriela
Posted by: Gabriela | July 06, 2012 at 01:38 PM
Dana, we attended our neighborhood parade too. It's fun to see everyone turn out in their patriotic colors.
Posted by: Sarah | July 06, 2012 at 03:51 PM
Looks like a fabulous day. And, I just love those sweet baby feet!
Posted by: Mama Zen | July 06, 2012 at 06:15 PM
You and your family know how to enjoy a traditional 4th of July! Your grandkids are growing so quickly. I like to nuzzle necks and that shot of grandboy #1 shows the perfect neck to nuzzle!
Posted by: Sally | July 07, 2012 at 01:09 PM
yep....we used to spend hours looking for 4 leaf clovers too and this year for some reason my front yard is full of the stuff but brings in the bees too so NO barefootin' for me! LOL....Happy 4th Dana and HPS xo
Posted by: Lynn @thevintagenest | July 08, 2012 at 03:56 AM