July 4th Celebration

We usually don't do a whole lot on July 4th but go to the fireworks and swim but this year was completely different.  Our good friends, Curls and Shifflets, invited us to the Chenoa Parade.  Our boys love a good parade especially if there is candy involved.  We started our day off there sitting in the gorgeous weather. 

 Although some of us needed the shade....

 The boys stood out by the road to watch the parade and get the candy although there were water guns, clowns, and loud sirens both of boys did really well.  Griffin hid behind my chair a couple of times because he was scared of the water and the loud siren but other than that they gathered what candy they could. 

Here is the whole kid gang out there waiting...

 After the parade, the Curls and ourselves headed to Bloomington to catch the lastest movie for the kids, Cars 2.  The boys have never been to a movie theatre and they did pretty well other than having to go to the bathroom a couple of times and Griffin falling asleep toward the end of the movie.  It was a great first experience and there was hardly anyone in the theatre which was a good thing because sometimes my boys don't know how to use little voices.  I don't know that we will go back anytime soon but you just never know.  Then it was perfect timing because by the time the movie ended and we headed back to Chenoa, we didn't have to wait too long for the fireworks to begin.  We had just enough time to set off a couple of our own. 

 and use some sparklers...

 Then it was showtime.  Kerry and I both thought this year's display was better than last year. 

 Gavin wanted to know why I have to take a picture of "EVERYTHING".  :) 

We really enjoy our family day and feel blessed to be in this great country.