Independence Day

We joined in our neighborhood Fourth of July festivities this year, starting off with the bike parade.

Next up was the big pool party, complete with raft relay races. . .

. . . and watermelon races.  Nice melons, Patrick!

Then there was a belly-flop contest, free frozen yogurt from our local joint Menchie’s and finally, a nice spray-down from the fire department!

I know I’m a wimp, but even though it was a HOT day, that firetruck water was chilly!

I have never regretted moving into the neighborhood we did, but it’s days like these that make me love it even more.  The sense of community here is amazing and we just LOVE it!

No fireworks on the fourth for us this year, but we got our fix the night before at the Independence Eve celebration downtown—Colorado Symphony and fireworks just like last year.  Emery liked the fireworks, but had her hands over her ears the entire time.  When they were over, she wouldn’t take her hands off for about 10 minutes because she was nervous they would start up again!  It was a gorgeous night—the weather was perfect for sitting out on the lawn and listening to some beautiful patriotic music.  It was almost midnight by the time we got home and got the kids to bed, but it was worth it!