Fourth of July

We had to continue our 4th of July tradition this year and take a picture by our latch-hook flag. The boys are too big to sit on the flag now!

Cody (L), Jaden (R)

Here are our flag pics from previous years. Amazing to see the difference from year to year! Cody is on the left on every photo except for the third one.

We participated in some great celebrations for the Fourth of July this year! First, we attended a nearby parade with Grammy and Papa. Cody and Jaden had some fun patriotic paraphernalia from our Olympics party this summer. Perfect to use for the parade!

Jason picked out a PERFECT spot for us during the parade. Halfway through the morning event, the sun came out from behind the clouds and shone intensely on everyone across the street. We watched those poor people fanning themselves and even leaving early while we enjoyed the much more comfortable shade. I was pleasantly surprised with our mid-summer Houston weather that day.

Jaden and Cody were very interested in all the vehicles that passed by and seemed to have a good view even while sitting down. (Thanks, Matt and Kim, for these great chairs!! We love them!)

Whenever a parade participant would have candy to pass out, Cody and Jaden would jump up from their chairs and run to an open spot by the street. No candy-giver ever passed them by! A lady nearby us said that watching our boys run up to receive candy was her favorite part of the whole parade. :)

The parade had a wide variety of entrants-- army vehicles, trucks, animals, 

marching bands,

and a few floats.

We were surprised when one parade guy handed out free patriotic popsicles! What a perfect treat for a warm day.

Jaden and Cody didn't seem to have any memories of any other parade we've ever taken them to, so we loved seeing them relish in the "new" experience. Here are some miscellaneous shots from the sidelines.

Anything can become a sword for a boy!! :)

Jaden dancing with Daddy

Of course, the heat eventually wore us out!

blue tongues from the popsicles!

Following the parade, we went home for lunch and naps but then met up again with Grammy and Papa for the evening street party & fireworks. While it was still daylight, we attended the kidzone. All the events were completely free. It was great! Jaden and Cody especially loved the bounce houses but also tried out the fire hose,

and the petting zoo.

Another highlight was getting a real pony ride! 

We also tried out some delicious popsicles-- ones made with real fruit. They were so refreshing and very tasty!

Waiting until the sky was dark enough for fireworks seemed to take a LONG time, but of course once the show began, the wait seemed worthwhile. Jaden and Cody didn't actually have to cover their ears during the fireworks this year! They seemed fairly awed by the display.