Fourth Of July 2016

Our town did their annual parade and concert in the park on the Saturday prior to the 4th of July.  It was different, but fun and festive, just the same.  Noah and his Dad were in in the parade, so we left early to secure a good spot along the curb on Main Street, to see them coming!  Noah spotted us walking across the street  from where they were set up in the staging area.  He was SO excited to be participating in his first parade!

He was looking sharp, decked in his Patriotic gear from head to toe! 
We were lucky that the weather was unseasonably cool on this day.  So sitting there for a few hours was not a problem.  Our granddaughters, Hannah and Claire, with their little friend Ryan, sitting along the curb with us, waiting for the parade to begin.

Those 10 gallon hats came in mighty handy to haul all of the candy that was thrown from the floats!!!
The National Anthem was sung, and the Pledge Of Allegiance was recited at the beginning of the procession.

Then away they went, one float after another, the Red, White and Blue, proudly waving!   Freshly washed and waxed fire engines.....

Red Tractors...

Men in uniform, scouts, city council, and Jazzercise groups, one after the other, marching and waving along Main Street.  Then came Noah's float, with his  Dad on motorcycle alongside.

My favorite, besides Noah's float, was this one from Jerome's Furniture Store.

I went to take a photo of Smokey The Bear, and instead, someone insisted on taking the photo of me with Smokey The Bear.

I took this photo of my Uncle Johnny's family, sitting just a few feet over from us.  Minus Uncle Johnny.  He was at home making waffles, I was told.

Our little town has sure grown in the 30 plus years that we have lived here.  The parade used to consist of a few local groups, and be done in an hour.  Now, it is quite a production!  Fun time! 
After the parade, we were invited to go next door for lunch and swimming.  So the day was full, despite it being a couple of days before the 4th of July. 
On Monday, the actual 4th, we all went down to Newport Beach, to spend the day on my brother's boat.  We had a wonderful day of swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, boat rides, food, more food, laughter, and great family time!! 

My nephew and his wife, have a new baby girl, and they live in the Bay area, so having time to spend with them is such a treat! 

Our grands, along with everyone else, had an absolute ball on the paddle boards and kayaks, and dinghy!!

 Noah's Dad Mark, on kayak.

Drew and Christine.

My favorite subjects, Hannah, Claire, and Noah!

Noah's Karate Kid pose.

Miss Claire....looking ever so sweet, and having a wonderful time on the boat!

I took this from the fly bridge of the dock below.

This was taken while out on a boat ride. 

Our oldest daughter Gennifer and her Uncle Dave, my brother.

The beaches were lined with colorful umbrellas on the shoreline.  It was such a beautiful day down there, and so festive with all of the decorations!

It was a perfect day!  Thank you so much David and Glenda!!!

Til next time.....
Toodle Loo
XO  Kris