July 4th is my 2nd favorite celebrating holiday, behind Thanksgiving....don't get me wrong I love Christmas but I enjoy Christmas is a more subtle way.....July 4th is all about Red, White and Blue, fireworks, parades , family fun, BBQ's and the Flag.....Thanksgiving is all about being thankful, pilgrims, family and time together without the commercialism of Christmas....in between there is Valentines Day, Easter, Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and Halloween - which deserve their own blog.
So when this happened just before July 4th I was a little concerned it would change our 27 year tradition on how we celebrate.....
A few years ago I had knee surgery and recovered nicely but about 10 days ago my knee acted up and was so swollen! It was all the way down to my ankle and I admit I did not rest it and overdid. A few friends (nurses) were concerned I might have a blood clot! Yikes - that was enough to scare me to ER where I was for hours while sick kids, men in handcuffs because of domestic abuse and lots of heart patients were.....so disturbing....
As I was in ER - this was the scene at Kristen's where the boys were running temps and feeling lousy.....our 4th celebration was looking dim to say the least!
I am thankful to say, no clot, just meniscus strain so Dr. Rocky and Dr. Steve helped me heal and Kristen nursed the boys back to health ....
So plans for the 4th were on! We start by visiting and Thanking our Veterans for our Independence!
Getting all our parade gear out!
I like to use a learning experience in here and there for the boys....Our Country Tis of Thee....what makes our United States....
Dylan was a whiz at putting the states in place, knowing the capitals and telling about which states he has visited and wants to visit.....
Then it was time to decorate the scooters/bikes.....I was a little sad as this is the first year we have not taken the boys in their decorated wagon....my little grands are growing up....
Pose for our annual picture.....
So excited to have mom with us this year!
Brian had the day off - yeah!
And off to our little neighborhood annual parade....just us locals....
We live close to a Marine Base so they always represent colors....
Even the local pooches dress up...we used to take Rocky but he is too old now....
The ladies who make quilts for Wounded Warriors....
Preservation of the Middle Class....they do routines with the golf carts and lawn mowers and kiss all the girls....this guy is eyeing Kristen and laid one on her!
Yes - that's Drew Brees....he lives in our hood along with lots of other professional athletes...we are lucky to live in a safe, patriotic and supporting community....side note - the professional athletes have the BEST yard sales....
(Remember these autographed Padre bats - Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn and our good pal Ken Caminette 5 buck each....anyway I digress.....)
So once the little parade is done we come home for water balloon games....Dylan always wants Gramps on his team and they always win!
We bbq brats of all kinds, hot dogs for the kids and stuff from the garden, mixed in with some salads, chips, etc.
Brian did a great job on the corn!
Then GiGi gets into her fireworks stash.....
Some are noisier than others!
We wait until we hear the Fire truck take off and then do these kind....
Lots of Tank fights and sparklers....yes it is early, the kids always go with friends for the evening and afternoon....
Then a little sweet treat wraps up our day....
This little firecracker had a little relapse so he stayed with us all night while his family went out to party....
Happy 4th Everyone!
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