Fourth of July

Our newest cousin enjoyed the festivities in the house.

Texie thinks she is as big as all of the other kids.

No, those aren't deer in headlights, just Jay and C.W. cooking their hot dogs.

The Fourth of July is a big deal around here. We've been celebrating with a hot dog cookout and fireworks at the farm for as long as I can remember. To see a step-by-step demo of what the kids and my mom do with firecrackers every year, go here. This year, since the Fourth fell on a Saturday, we had a three-day celebration.

We started with a shrimp and clam boil Friday at Shipo's barn. Saturday the kids had fun jumping on the trampoline, playing in the clubhouse, holding kitties, meeting lambs and watching chickens. Then, we had our traditional hot dogs and s'mores before the kids' parade and fireworks. The kids reminded us shortly before dark that we'd forgotten the most important part of the night--the parade. This year was particularly special, because Jay actually lined them up and we started with some since of order.

The cousins patiently wait for the signal to start the parade.

Evan impressed us with her ability to ride with no hands.

Saxie is looking good on a trike I think I may have ridden as a kid.

We didn't decorate this year (usually we decorate the vehicles in red, white and blue and promptly undecorate so we can use the decorations the next year). The kids ride up and down our lane as we stand on the side cheering. They ride back and forth until they get tired of it. After that, the kids and a few adults entertained with a pretty good fireworks display--this has scaled down in recent years. I think it has something to do with the fact that we all have children and can't seem to stay up as late as we used to.

We had plenty of smoke bombs and firecrackers for the kids to set off on Sunday. We met back at the barn for another fabulous meal. The kids enjoyed bubbles, water guns and more fireworks. We all can't wait to get together and do it again next year.

(Hopefully by then I'll have a better camera)