And Now We're Just Showing Off...

As if the main street parade and the fish grab aren't enough... there is MORE, much more, to Fourth of July in Richfield.  It's embarrassing, I know... and now YOU know why my kiddos are hooked just like their mama.

The Childrens' Parade...

Wherein any and all kiddos can decorate their bikes, their scooters, their wagons, themselves... and walk, run, skip, dance, ride or otherwise -- their little booties down Main Street.

It makes them feel like SUCH a big deal, gives us all something to do during the witching hour, plus they get a free popsicle from a "Princess" at the end of it all.  Total win.

We hit the dollar store and Grandpa's campaign goods the afternoon of the parade

And did all it up nice... 

Then off they rode with no hands and Uncle Sam hats respectively.  :)

The newest addition to our abundant traditions -- 

I present to you, the giant inflatable water slide.

These kids have some sort of crazy endurance when it comes to the climb, slide, splash, repeat cycle.  And they sleep like little angels after a day in the sun running through said cycle 521 times.  :)

Boone watched all the mayhem and laughed and laughed.

Then played in the wading pool and watched some more, while showing off his darling bum cheeks and snacking on sweet potato puffs.  :)

Then nearly fell asleep in the swing.

When can things get all Freaky Friday over here and I can switch places with him for a day?

Just curious...

And never to let a day of water sliding be reserved for just the kiddos, Grandpa decided to give it a whirl.  Let's be honest he had no choice once all the grand kiddies lined up at the base of the slide and chanted, "Grandpa! Grandpa!"

He succumbed.

But I don't think he was mad about it one little bit.

Water Balloon bombing from the red El Camino happened... 

What am I saying, OF COURSE it happened!

 My evil little bombers giggle their way through town sucking on water balloons and rarely hitting their targets, but oh, it appeals to their rebellious sides!  :)

There was a trip to the Ideal Dairy for a slush with ice cream, and a trip to the grocery store for "Alligator Jaw" donuts, and a trip down the canal to float the canoe.  But mostly there was this:

All American summer fun with brothers and cousins and grandparents.

And that's a wrap.

Pinkie Promise.

No more Fourth of July braggadocio.

Until next year.  :)