July 4th 2008

Happy 4th of July

Although it's a little late, I can't let a July go by without a post about one of our favorite traditions, the parade in Weston, TX. We have enjoyed going to the parade every year since the kids were small...Avery attended her first one when she was 6 months old!! Weston is a small town...a very small town...and the parade represents all that is wonderful about small town America. A fire truck leads the way, followed by old cars, kids on bikes, trucks pulling flatbed trailers, tractors, horses and of course a goat painted like the Texas flag (I totally missed getting a picture of the goat the first time the parade passed by...he was tired and sat out the 2nd loop so again...no picture)

This year Grandma and Papa, Aunt Bev and I watched while the 4 kids rode in the 4-wheeler with Doug and Uncle Stan. They had buckets of candy to toss and flags to wave. It's such a simple way to celebrate...but for us, it's the perfect way...and this year it was even more special because Cousins M and B were able to join us.

People stand and put their hands over their hearts when the flag passes, adults look out for each others children as they run into the street to grab the candy that's being thrown, we pay tribute to the firefighters of Weston...all of which are volunteers, and we spend time together, as a family...the best part of any holiday.

The Beverly HillBillies of Weston, TX
This was my favorite float...although Granny quickly threw off her red crochet shaw in the 100 degree heat!!

Helping Cousin B with the slingshot

After the parade and a yummy meal, Doug and Weston hung out with the cousins while Avery and I headed for Canton...tired...our tummies full of hamburger...and as always, thankful and proud to be an American.