crazy about the 4th!

Ok, I will admit it. I love the 4th of July. For some reason, I love it more than Christmas. And I love Christmas a lot....so don't worry. Maybe because it's in the middle of summer and it seems to come and go so quickly (the 4th, not summer). Christmas season seems to start months ahead of time, so I'm pretty much done 'celebrating' by the time the actual day gets here. Also, I love parades of any type and size. I love patriotic music. I love the Flag. I'm so grateful to be an American. Thank you, thank you both to God and to the men and women who have made this country the amazing place that it is. 

It's really hot here in Austin around the 4th of July. So, we divide the celebration up a bit. Neighborhood parade is in the morning about 9:30. Then I'll serve brunch to my family. We'll hang out until it's too hot to do anything but simply find a dark, cool room for a nap. Then it's time to gather around again for some burgers and hot dogs.

This little parade is so sweet. Very small...maybe about 25 kids and their parents? This year, I've just about talked Annie into riding her bike in the parade. She's a little 'on and off' about the whole idea. To put just a little pressure on her, we went up to Michael's to get some stuff to decorate her bike. She also helped me decorate the yard with a few flags (I need more). To get into the spirit a little more, we made chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles. ok, Hope that has convinced her to get celebratory for the 4th next week! Maybe Meg will get in on the fun, too!

This video message is made for Mermis...their grandmother in SC!

Decked out in some gear! Annie worried that the kids might laugh at her. I told her, "NO way".

Cupcake time: