Independence Day

*~ Happy Independence Day ~*

We arrived only 45 min. before start time and found a gem of a spot right on the corner. Good view, good shade, good parade.  Favorite entries included military heroes, anything truly patriotic and the fancy horses. 

Nathan sold frozen Kool Pops along the parade route--$34 in 30 minutes!  It was the perfect cold treat on a hot summer morning. Anna sold the few leftovers for $5. Not a bad gig for kids trying to earn money.

We parked by this charming ecological wonder.  After the parade, we spent time marveling at some pretty cute little critters.  Enjoying God's handiwork is a favorite family past time.  America the Beautiful!

We capped off our festive day by attending the big show in the stadium.  Our family had signed up to participate in the family choir portion of the program.  Due to insufficient numbers, the choir was canceled and our consolation gift were tickets to the event.  We definitely got the better end of the deal!  The Beach Boys celebrated 50 years in entertainment. Apparently James Bond is also 50...who knew? So, one portion of the show was a 007 theme songs tribute with synchronized fireworks... randomly enough!  All in all, it was a great show. `Such a deal to see Scott McCreery, Alex Boye, and the Beach Boys all on the same night. 

We had all kinds of fun dancing it up and singing along with Beach Boys oldies but goodies.  Awesome! Other best moments included the fighter jets fly over, the national anthem and patriotic tunes, and the fireworks finale. Stunning! It literally shook us and the stadium.  

Our story doesn't end there.  After the show, traffic was at a standstill.  We couldn't get out of the parking lot at a nearby church, so we spread a blanket on the lawn, lifted the back hatch of the van and watched Princess Bride--or we did until the battery died. Fortunately, there were other stuck families nearby.  A nice man helped Andy jumpstart the van and eventually we made our way home, well after midnight.  Though it was an unexpected conclusion, the mood could not be spoiled on this very memorable holiday.  

Happy Independence Day, indeed!  :)

Photo credits go to Nathan, Matt, Anna, Ryan, Andy, Karen...imagine what we could do if we each had our own cameras!