Independence Day

Let me just tell you...Max and I were ecstatic to finally celebrate the fourth in our own hometown for the first time in 8 years!! In the last 8 years we have spent summers in Utah, Idaho, California (3 different cities) Armenia and Chile. Last year we were getting tired of drilling the locals to find the best firework show in town, we were definitely looking forward to being home this year. So what if the Tigard High fireworks show isn't that great, we love this silly tradition and he love all the high school memories we get when we hit our home turf! 

Max started his day as we would a Saturday, with a whole bunch of yard work. Luckily his brother Justin had come over and they tackled an impressive amount of blackberry bushes that had taken over the back yard of the house next door. Those boys do good work. After lunch we loaded up and went to my Red Grandmas' house for a barbecue and parade. Every year, there is a little neighborhood parade that goes down my grandma's street. One year my brother participated in it with his bagpipes and kilt. We were excited to take Charlie to the parade and see all the floats, fire trucks, and police motorcycles. 

Waiting for the parade to start by throwing rocks into the street. Don't tell my grandma, she probably wouldn't have approved. Gotta keep a toddler busy somehow!

And it begins!

Lexi and Charlie going after the candy!

I think he was convinced of how great parades are when he tried his very first tootsie pop

He wasn't that happy with his sticky hands...he got mad that he couldn't get all the grass off. 

After eating a whole lot at my grandma's house, we met up with our good friends Kerri, Corbrett, and Madeleine and walked over to the high school for the FREE old fashioned fire works celebration. 

There were sack races! Madeleine is on the right and Lexi on the left!

                                                 

Charlie got to climb on some police vehicles and really enjoy himself!

Checking out the fire truck!

 As the sun was going down we also met up with our other great friends, Richard, Marissa, and Lacey! As well as Max's family.

While we were waiting for the fireworks to start, they played music over the loud speaker. Charlie had a hay-day showing off his moves to Lacey and Madeleine. He really is becoming quite the show-off and class clown...(Like Father like son???)

Charlie dancing with his cousin Shadow. 

 And here is my wonderful family! I love them so much, it was great having a good snuggle while watching the fireworks.

Charlie was getting pretty tired. 

still waiting for the show...

Once the fireworks started, Charlie was mesmerized. They didn't last that long it seemed but that was okay, I was excited to get Charlie into bed.