A Little Piece of Americana...

We had such a fun Fourth of July! We started our day with the Skybrook neighborhood "parade." Mike and I decorated the wagon the night before so the boys were totally surprised when they saw it. Charlie said it looked like his very own "Jingle Truck." (If you have read Charlie's book of TRUCKS, you probably know what I'm talking about.) Both boys loved riding it in - at first. (More on that later.)

We got to the parade a little early, which would have been just fine had there not been child-sized motorized vehicles everywhere. We had a really hard time explaining to Charlie why he was not allowed to test drive everyone else's toy car. Note to self: Next year, get to the parade only moments before it starts.

Once the parade got under way, all was fine - except for Chase who, at this point, was not interested in riding in the wagon anymore. Poor Mike had to pull the wagon and carry Chase at the same time. (I was taking photos, of course!)

Anyway, we did have fun at the parade and the boys got a kick out of walking the parade route.

After the parade and naps, we set up the sprinklers and the water table in the backyard, which the boys adored. Then Mike and I grilled out a delicious dinner of brats, homemade loaded baked potato salad and homemade creamed corn. I also made strawberries dipped in white chocolate and blue sprinkles - red, white and blue strawberries!

It really was a great day and truly, a little piece of Americana...

Here are several photos from the parade and our very own jingle truck!

See the "Happy 4th" banner on the back? Isn't it cute?

And red, white and blue stars, plus flags... Our wagon had it all!

I love this picture. On our way to the parade!

Isn't Chase so cute in this photo?

Pensive Charlie

Mike and the boys, watching everyone gather for the parade.

You can probably tell from this picture that Charlie was a little annoyed.
He really wanted to ride everyone else's toy cars.

Here we go! Parade is under way!

See Mike and boys toward the left in the back?

"Before the parade passes by..."

"I love a parade..."

Charlie's really relaxed and in the groove now...
...eating Goldfish and letting his leg hang out of the wagon.

See. I was there too!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE!