The Fourth!

Our Fourth of July was different this year, but a lot of fun. Normally our kids are here.  We have a parade and gathering that morning in our neighborhood and our church has a big community cookout and fireworks that night. Well our daughter was out of town.. our son was here, but he was gearing up to take our youth to camp.  And we were invited to participate in a new-to-us event. A year ago my husband changed jobs. Funny thing.. he has worked with the guys at his new place of employment for over 20 years, so it was really a lot like going home. They are a very tight knit group who do a lot of fun things together. Including hosting a 4th of July Parade and party. So we skipped our norm and marched to the beat of a different drummer.

We were actually in the parade.. no pic of us.. sorry. Next year will be different!  My husband often catches the eye of children who think he is Santa. He is a big tall guy with curly white hair and a full white beard.. and he is jovial and his eyes twinkle!  So he was dubbed Santa on Vacation at the parade. We road on the back of a convertible and tossed candy to kids. It was fun. Hubby ho-ho-hoed all over the place! But next year we have big plans.. not just us, but our drivers.  Christmas music.. decorations.. the works. We are going to play up the Santa on Vacation idea!

Afterwards we went to one of the hosts' homes.. to the "back 40" where he has a great boat house that looks out over the lake. There was a program with prizes for floats and music and poetry and just a lot of fun.

We stopped to pledge allegiance to the flag and sing the national anthem.. it was very moving.

There was even a furbaby in on the fun!  (I can only imagine the fireworks Mac and Mia would have caused!)

Then we chowed down on a burgers and sausage dogs and roasted pig with all the sides and desserts. It was yum!

And we got to visit with folks we knew and meet others we didn't know. Just a delightful time and not nearly as hot as a typical 4th of July here. A lovely new addition to our 4th of July traditions.. especially as we enter this next season of life where the nest will be empty.