The 4th of July

GRANDDAUGHTER AVERY AT THE PARADE

Celebrating the 4th is a BIG DEAL in our family.

This year was an especially BIG DEAL, because my two daughters made the pilgrimage to the homeland
hauling along their husbands and a collection of granddaughters.

GRANDDAUGHTER RELLA

We are pretty much crazy about our local parade.


It's because my kids grew up on the parade route and it's in their blood.

Legions of our family clan turn out annually to share in the festivities. This year was no exception.


There's always something new, parading down the street.

For example, this year the Navajo Nation came out in full force.

They danced their way down the street in bright native costumes.



Then, of course, there was the traditional barbeque.

Thank heavens for our well-shaded backyard, cuz it was hot, hot, hot.

Jennifer came all the way from Greece. She's sitting at the end of the table - BELOW.

Just seems like yesterday that we were in Athens together, although it's been a couple of months.

Adults chatted while kids played - reveling in their mountain of cousins.

GRANDDAUGHTER BRINLEY FINDS A NEW WAY TO MAKE USE OF PICK-UP STICKS!

My niece's son was one of the many kids to decorate the cement patio.

Can you see the pride on his little face after writing his name 'JARED' all by himself?

GRANDDAUGHTER ASPEN COOLING OFF WITH A 'CREAMIE'.

More to come . . .