A parade, bar b q and the 4th of July!

We had such a great time this weekend! It was great to hang out w/ my kids and their kids. We started it out w/ the Jester parade in the morning. What used to be just me sitting on the lawn with my cup of coffee has 'morphed' over the years to a little bit more. I'm so glad my kids (and William) oblige me in my love for this little neighborhood parade.  Last year we were not in town. The year before we had a big group of extended family...this year we decided to invite our neighbors and a few did actually show up for our little breakfast buffet (thanks Tamera for making delicious scones!) It has actually started to get hot now in Austin, so I'm glad the event is in the morning!

I've borrowed all of these pictures from either Kristen or Katherine.  Tyler and Meg were our parade participants. I just went along to 'supervise'. Annie was a bit under the weather and Grey decided to join in at the very last loop...as well as Jon.

I really enjoyed after parade just sitting in the front yard with our grown kids and hanging out for a few hours. The grandkids are getting big enough (except for Carter) to just play inside and watch Sound of Music and stay cool. All of the cousins play so well together and that makes it so much fun when we do all get together.

We had a great evening over at Patrick's house later and Katherine made up the most amazing ice cream to top off the grilled burgers/hot dogs we had for dinner. All in all...a very special 4th of July.
Thankful for our country, for our kids and for the freedom we each have that so many men and women have given their lives for.