4th of July: Friends, Parades and Fireworks

An early rise at the cottage is antithetical every day except the 4th of July.

Meadow was really out of it. She's not used to getting up before eight.

We were a bit late to rise, but we arrived just as the parade turned the corner toward Superior St.

The streets were already closed off. We had to park a mile away.

Meadow wasn't a big fan of the firetrucks in the parade. She tucked herself into grandpa's chest. Poor gal.

Our fearless babe is suddenly afraid of everything.

We ate our annual 4th of July doughnuts.

Once the sirens passed she was a ok.

There's nothing quite like a small town parade.

I'm surprised that D.A.R.E. is still a thing.

The whole family plus the Fialas made it the biggest 4th parade in years.

These ladies were the lawn chair brigade.

Apparently anyone can have a float. This couple was celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

I'm not sure what Canadian bagpipers have to do with Independence Day.

The local thrift shop was throwing out stuffed animals. Meadow got another one to add to her collection.

I turned around and saw a teenage girl holding Nolan. She let him sit on her lap for the rest of the parade.

When we first sat down I heard someone calling my name. It was our old neighbors. We stopped over by them after the parade. It's funny to see us all grown up with our own kids now.

After the cottage neighbors had their reunion we went to the park for the "best Bloody Marys in America."

There's also a flea market. We had pretty much seen all the same stuff the other day.

In previous years Momma Gail was the only one drinking. This year we all made up for her absence.

That's what I call a meal in a cup.

I think this is the longest we've ever stayed at the park.

Brooke always wants to share things. Next year she'll have to get her own.

I have to admit this is my first bloody mary.

The babies ate some of our veggies. Nolan really loved the onion.

It was the perfect day to spend the afternoon on Dog Lake.

Meadow fell asleep on the way home. I left the doors open and let her sleep a little longer.

We would all come back in once and a while for snacks.

Mr. Mike grilled burgers for lunch per Tyler's request.

Brayden ate a half a watermelon.

Then tried to blame it on Meadow.

Meadow wasn't as into to being in the water today.

We even tried letting her swim in her lifejacket and without it.

Meadow will probably have more fun in the lake next year.

Tyler and I had a aquazooka standoff. Thought it would get him in the water.

Meadow seemed to have more fun playing in the sand pile with Brayden.

Blake being Blake.

A few minutes later Blake and Brayden capsized our kayak. Since they were already wet we went tubing.

I couldn't believe Brooke wasn't coming along.

I thought Meadow could use a real nap since she seemed really out of it. Plus I had cake to make.

I think we should get some boating lessons from Mr. Mike so we can tow him around.

Brayden sat in his tube instead of laying on top. He was getting bounced around like a jack rabbit.

I think Olive got scared and opted out of a ride.

After Brayden and Blake's turn Tyler and I went for a ride until Tyler fell off. I was proud that Mike didn't throw me off. My arms weren't so happy the next morning.

My dad found a toy boat that Blake made when he was a kid. Blake thought he would take it out for a test run.

This photo reminds me of Starry Night.

Meanwhile I was making chocolate cake.

This is exactly the kind of outfit one should wear while baking.

Meadow was napping so I couldn't change. I think I freaked a few people out when they realized I wasn't wearing pants.

I almost bought some fireworks at Costco, but thankfully Mr. Mike didn't let us down.

We did the ones that work in the day first.

People haven't said Emma and I look alike in awhile. Although my parents kept thinking Emma was me.

Just a little too much batter.

I used a pan that didn't have instructions so I wasn't sure how high to fill it. I guess 3/4 was too much.

I dragged the kids and Blake around the cottage. Olive thought this was really cool.

Whoops.

I couldn't figure out why the cake wouldn't come out. Did I not grease it enough? Did I let it cool for too long? Nope, I forgot to flour it.

Grandma Romie arrived a few hours before the big fireworks show.

She was excited to see her grandbabies together.

Blake and I picked out a gift for my mom at the flea market. When left in the sun the flowers move.

Chelsea loved holding Meadow since she's half the weight of Nolan.

Meadow is all for watermelon.

Or any fruit for that matter.

Nolan needs to protect his ears at the fireworks.

This is my don't eat more than your fair share of tacos face.

We had underestimated how much meat to buy. Everyone only had one or two tacos with little meat.

Everyone was still hungry after dinner. Dan gave Mr. Mike's generic ove glove a try while popping the jiffy pop.

Olive had the coolest hat.

Other than the cottage fourth cap.

That hat is so cool that she took two pictures of it.

Then it was time to head to the park again for fireworks. We brought the bike trailer along so Meadow could be away from the bugs. Olive wanted to ride along for fun.