Independence Day festivities

The Fourth of July!

Parades, barbecues, fireworks, friends and family - check, check, check and check.

Elizabeth and Jerry weren't able to stay long on Monday morning, but Grandma and Auntie Mel came over early and we all headed out to watch the parade. (Grandpa was at work.)

As it's been really hot, Cora wasn't all that excited about it this year - see photo of her with Grandma. ("Cora! Cora! Smile, Cora! Look at me! Smile!")

Cora did like the local royalty in their fancy cars, gowns and tiaras - the "Miss SCV," "Little Miss SCV," etc. She said the princesses were her favorite part. Violet was content to watch it all from her stroller, while Stace and I moved out closer for a better view of the classic cars.

After the parade, we cooled off and rested at home, and prepared for the barbecue.

We feel so blessed to have a bit of space for entertaining, and just hanging out with friends and family. This year, we had my family and Melanie's boyfriend Nick; Genia, John, their kids and John's parents; and Christine and her boyfriend Luke.

While we ate, the kids played with bubbles and a croquet set, and we all set off little poppers when it grew dark.

Then, it was on to the fireworks. Violet took it all in, and Cora later said the fireworks were her favorite part of the 4th of July. (While we watched them, she was in a mood and said she didn't like them, because we weren't able to find and sit near Ave and Johnny.)