For years now, Jim and I have attended the Evergreen Park Parade. I used to go a while back with the Higgins family (they got me hooked on it) and the summer I was in Romania, Scott Bort brought Jim to the parade. Ever since then, we make it a tradition to attend the parade and the fireworks afterwards. Last year, David and Marisa’s kids joined us and I’m teaching David and Jonathan how to snag the candy and freebies available! (They have improved even more since last year!)
Like last year, this year was a little cold, but we came with plenty of provisions. We snagged our Wojo’s shakes (choc pb oreo for me, mint choc oreo for jim), air-popped popcorn and brought plenty of sweatshirts, blankets and necessities for Charlie.
We love July 4th around these parts.
Thanks to Mari for the cute shirt!
Waiting for the parade to start…
“Baby’s First Fourth”
You might recall at the LaGrange Park Pet Parade that we had a little bit of an issue with the firetrucks…but fear not! Daddy came prepared!
Charlie seemed to get more annoyed with the headphones than the noise, but he followed the firetrucks throughout the whole parade. (FYI – these are for people who work at the airport!)
David and Jonathan ready to capture treasure
The girls, just hanging loose…
Remember Jim and Charlie at the LaGrange Pet Parade…
Guess who showed up again?
Favorite by far – Jesse White tumblers – and Jesse White himself was driving AND held the banner that they jump over
Jonathan kept an eye on his cousin (check out Charlie’s eyes in the pic)
Waiting for the Fireworks to begin…
Charlie found a new friend…
And luckily we kept some UNWANTED friends OUT!
By the time the fireworks were set to begin, it was well past Charlie’s bedtime and he had fallen asleep. With the first booms, he slowly opened his eyes and eventually, the skies captivated him. The binky fell out and the oohs and aahs begin as he voiced his approval. What sweets sounds from my little one! This time last year, I had just heard the sweet sound of his heartbeat – confirmation that he indeed was with us…we were on the cusp of telling everyone our great news and enjoying the 4th. Now, one year later, I shared one of my favorite times of year with my almost 6-month-old son and I am so grateful.
The evening ended with a screaming child as we headed to the car. He hated the ground displays and begged for more of the above head awning of lights. His first Fireworks show was a blast!
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