4th of July

Since my class reunion was in Belmond this year, we also got to experience small town traditions on the 4th of July. I love parades and fireworks. This year my BFF Andrea and I agreed to run the 5K on the morning of the 4th. We didn't place first or in any of the medal winning categories...but we had fun and it was something that I got to do with one of my bridesmaids.

After the race, I walked back to grandma's house to shower up and get ready for the parade but first we had a couple house guests....well lawn guests. Grandma and Grandpa have a really big yard and are surrounded by fields - they even put a salt lick out for their guests. But it was fun to see these deer. They even let me come out on the deck to take their picture.

Another huge small town tradition was the parade and this year my dad had a VERY important job in it. I never got to see him at work, but I heard he got a standing ovation when he did have to do it. He works for the city and this year his job was to follow the horses and clean up the messes they made as they walked through the parade. See the horses...and then there is my dad in his truck. He did such a nice job keeping our town clean!

On to another tradition - the FIREWORKS!!! Since Andrea was in town with her family, Jerad and I sat with them for the show (minus the baby - Colin as he was too young). As I have said before, I love fireworks, but I also love seeing children's reactions to them.

Andrea and Jeremiah's twins are also one of the flowergirls and one of the ringbearers in our wedding. We had a great time with them and even saw some of the fireworks in the midst of our running around. :-)