Small Town Celebration

Happy Independence Day!

We had a few choices today as to how we would celebrate the 4th of July.  Most of my family is gathered at my parents' house for the traditional swim and grill celebration.  But being new to town we wanted to stick close to home and see how our small town threw a party.  

I love living where I do.  If I have not said it before, each week I am in this town I fall more and more in love with it.  I love the small community feeling.  Walking up to Main Street today and seeing our neighbors a few chairs down.  Seeing the older gentleman next to us yelling snide comments to the older men in the parade - I'm sure they are all part of the same "good ol' boys" club.  I love the mom and pop burger joint that uses only local ingredients.  We are enchanted by the family hardware store that is preparing to celebrate it's 100th anniversary in this town...in the same family.  The whole town speaks of family of closeness of loyalty and pride.  So add some patriotic sentiment to the already deeply rooted community and you have a full on celebration!

Papa Dan waiting for the festivities to start.  He's decked out in his patriotic hat!

 Kate made sure some of her special friends were dressed up and in good view of the show.

 Nathan had the best seat in the house thanks to Daddy! 

Can anyone guess what Nathan's favorite part of the parade was?  That's right the FIRETRUCKS!  And boy were there a lot of emergency vehicles.  The parade was actually named the Fireman's 4th of July Parade.  Trucks from a least four other towns in addition to ours were present.  And Nathan couldn't have been happier!  Seeing all the firetrucks, one after another, I couldn't help but reflect of the families in Prescott, Arizona, who are grieving the loss of their family and community.  So many people risk their lives so we can be safe and live peacefully and be free.  Thank you!

 Now Kate's favorite part was the horses on parade.  There were at least three or four different horse farms that participated.  There was also an Irish dance studio from Leesburg that made a little appearance.  Kate loved that too, and she immediately went into dance mode!

 I love this shot of the two kids holding hands.  

Proof that there are rare moments when they do not fight!

 There were so many interesting "floats" and vehicles.  But this wagon pulled by for draft horses was quite impressive.   The older rescue vehicles were pretty special too.

We hope you stay safe tonight.  And amidst the BBQ, corn on the cob, drinks, fireworks and parades we remember what a blessing it is to live in the United States of America.  Thank you to so many of you who serve our country and risk your lives so we can be free.  We are indebted.  For indeed: May we never forget that freedom is not free.