Independence Day

It's America's Birthday, so we are going to celebrate in style!  There is a terrific parade scheduled, and it goes right in front of Beth's house!  VERY convenient!  And then of course, there is the mandatory

BBQ to follow! 

What a nice day... VERY hot out, but the chairs were in the shade.  I felt bad for some of the marchers in the parade because they were in full uniforms!  UGH... But it was really great fun to see all the neat antique cars and the bagpipers, etc...

I'm pretty sure Rachel's favorite part was when the people in the cars were throwing candy out to all the kids watching the festivities!  She was very good about it and didn't run EVERY time, but she ended up with a nice little handful of Tootsie Rolls & Lollipops.  She was a happy camper!
And of course, she was THRILLED to see all the fire trucks from the various townships! After her firehouse trip last week, this was an added bonus!

After watching all the fun, it was time for a quick refreshing drink, and then off to play with Deb, the clown!  Oh BOY did she have fun with her!!!  Especially when she brought out her friend, the Sheepdog puppy puppet! (I have to admit, I can't remember the puppet puppy's name... bad me... )

The best part for me was getting to see some great friends that I hadn't seen in a very long time... "Aunt ZeeZee" came with her parents, and Kathleen & Rich brought the girls!  That was a REAL eye opener!  Kathy's middle child was my FLOWER GIRL!  But she's practically all grown up now! And the are BOTH gorgeous!  Well, Rach had a fun filled day, and when it was all said and done, it was time for a nice relaxing nap on the hammock... Thanks to Uncle Rich, who was MORE than happy to accomodate!