A Fourth of July to Remember

Parades, A Swimming Hole and Fireworks

Saturday July 3, in morning, we marched in the San Antonio inner-city 'burb of Terrell Hills "Mayberry-esque" parade. Our son walked with buddies from his Cub Scout Pack and our daughter rode on a red, white and blue decorated trailer with some of her friends and their families. At the end of the parade, the kids enjoyed hot dogs and pizza, face painting, a bounce house, a water slide and a whole bunch of other activities. Mark and I got to catch-up with a bunch of friends that we hadn't seen in a while.

Two Tons of Stuff to Do (and Eat)
Later that afternoon, we joined friends at a "gi-normous" party over on Lake Placid (near Seguin, Texas.) The host does this party every two years. He hangs a huge flag from the trees, does a BBQ cook-off and puts out rows and rows of tables for guests to set out their side dishes and desserts (and we're talking close to one hundred feet of side dishes and desserts.) The kids swim and play in the swimming hole that's off to the side of the house and out of the way of lake traffic. The host also does a great job of tying the day back to it's meaning by reading the Declaration of Independence and then he speaks for a moment about the men and women in the armed-services serving our country to protect our freedom. And after the early evening meal, Texas' best swing band, Two Tons of Steel performs while folks dance and lounge on the lawn. It was just awesome!

Take the Photo Opportunity When It's Handed to You
I can't believe that first photo really happened for real either, but it did. The kids had just come back from the swimming hole to get cleaned up for the pre-dinner prayer and meal.

"Hey, y'all go jump around and catch some bubbles in front of that giant flag over there."

Not Done Yet
On Sunday, July 4, we attended a fun pool party/cook-out with some friends. That evening, the group went over to another family's house to watch the San Antonio Country Club fireworks from their front lawn on Burr Road. It was a great show, complete with sparklers and patriotic music provided by the iphone (plus speakers) of one of the dad's in our group.

Visions of Fireworks Danced in Their Heads

After showering away all the day's sunscreen and bug-spray, the kids fell into their beds, exhausted. Now, that was a Fourth of July they will remember!