4th of July

We had a great 4th of July, like usual.  We started out the day by going to the Murray Parade.  It is one of my most favorite things to do.  I just love being there with my silly family and seeing all the floats, people, bands, horses, etc.  It is also super fun watching the kids get tons of candy and fliers.  It is fun to be loud and funny and just have a good time.  The weather was great.  Very cloudy and only a few drops of rain.  I was worried that Josh would run out into the road a lot, but he really did a great job and Tyler did really good at staying close to the sidewalk.  My dad announced, like usual, and my whole family was there.  That doesn't happen too often, but it did that day - and we loved it.  The boys went away with a big bag of candy each.  I think that we will have taffy for a couple months at our house.

After the parade we headed to my parents.  The kids played for a while and then we headed to WalMart to pick up Averee's birthday present and some lunch.  Then we came back and let the kids play.  I went with Wendy and Gabe to ShopKo to get Averee's present from them, and then when we came back I put Josh down for his nap (not an easy feat - he was enjoying playing outside).  Then we pretty much just hung out and then started making some dinner around 5:00.  After we ate then we went and got on Papa G's trailer and we had our own little Clark Parade around the neighborhood.  It is super fun and silly and the kids just love it.
Then it was parachute time.  The kids love to chase and catch the parachutes and so we try and buy a lot each year so the kids can each have a couple turns.  Always a big hit.
Then we went to Julie's for Averee's birthday party.  We had some cake and ice cream and then did presents.  Julie handed out cool glow sticks and the kid really liked playing with them.  After that we headed back to my parents for
fireworks.  Since they legalize so many new kinds, we had cool fireworks all around us.  Then we sat back and watched Murray's fireworks from my parents back yard.  It was so fun.  Josh learned to say "ooooo" after the big ones.  Then we headed home, tired but happy.  Happy Independence Day!