After seeing first hand how fun a parade is, Ava and Katelyn decided to recreate their own parade. They had plenty of patriotic colors, but a few less flags and lot less candy.

Now being in a parade is exhausting and quite sweaty business, so we headed down to the local lake for quick dip before grilling all-American hamburgers and sweet corn.

Ava found the sand to be as refreshing as the water.

Sadly the camera battery said good night right before the fireworks began. “Oh, they’re pretty. That’s one’s pretty. That’s my favorite!” Ava declared as the sky was light up in rings of red, white, and gold. Twenty seconds later, she added, “Daddy, Daddy, put your hands over my ears!” She watched the remainder of the spectacular show firmly grasped between her daddy’s two hands. Happy Birthday America!