4th of July festivities

We had a fun 4th of July yesterday. It started out with the parade. We went last year, but did not know how big of a deal this parade was. So, this year, we got there super early and found our seats (in the blazing sun, so next year we will make sure we get some shade). For a small town, this parade is quite the production. Over 200 cars/"floats", lots of horses, cowboys lasso-ing, motorcycles, marching bands, cheerleaders, a man on a riding lawn mower pulling 32 radio flyer wagons...seriously. I would have a picture of all us, but, by the time I thought about it I was drenched with sweat (gross!) and did not want to capture that moment. I'm sure you ladies out there understand!

Here's the older gentleman on the riding lawn mower pulling all of his 32 family members behind him. How cool is that??!!

Mallory enjoyed it a lot more this year. When you ask her what she saw at the parade, she will tell you, "Horsies going shooey, firetrucks and girls." Last night she prayed for all of them:) Side note. I realize this dress has hearts on it. Technically, it's a Valentine's dress, but add a navy bow, and voila, it's a 4th of July dress!

If you look close, you can see her hair matted to her face with sweat! We were all nasty!!

Morgan was a trooper. It was during her morning nap time, so she didn't get her beauty rest. Between the firetrucks and motorcycles, I think she only slept about 20 minutes...maybe.

After a long afternoon nap, we thought we'd try some real baby food. So far, she loves the oatmeal, but is obviously not a fan of green beans!! There wasn't one bite that she didn't make a face or gagging sound with. Hmmm. Hopefully it's not telling of what is to come later. Mallory loved all baby food..and people food...and any food!

That night, we went over to a friend's house for our Sunday school class BBQ/fireworks. Mallory LOVED this. For her, if there is food, she is a happy camper. She ate a PB&J sandwich, cantaloupe, a hot dog, chips and cake. There were lots of other kids, so she had some entertainment as well. Then, we all stayed awake for the fireworks show. Mallory's favorite saying of the night, "Ooooh, that's a big one!" I was surprised #1 that Morgan stayed awake for them and #2 how interested Morgan was in the fireworks. We even got a couple of squeals from her. She was OUT before we even drove away from their house (hence the pjs in the next picture).