Happy 4th

We've been lame Fourth of July celebrators since Grant's arrival. His first year, we went to a cookout, and he was back in bed before 8 (he was only 6 months after all). One year, I don't have single picture taken (yes, our pics are cataloged by year and date--have you met Bret?). Then, one year, we went to Bedford for the parade, which was great, but that night ended in bed early too. Then, last year, we were just coming back from a month long vacation, and we were spent, so we were all asleep before dark.

So, this year, we decided to "do it up." We hit the morning parade and afternoon cookout, lit our own fireworks before heading over for an elephant ear and carnival rides before the big firework finale.

Grant and Grace were in heaven. There is real charm in small town Indiana 4th of July celebrations.

Here are Grant and Grace waiting for the parade to begin. Why Grace INSISTS on doing her silly face for every freakin' picture is beyond me.


Here they are grabbing candy as it is thrown on the parade route.


Here is their combined candy score--more than Halloween!


More random parade pictures...