First Annual 4th of July Parade!

Every year growing up my family put on a 4th of July parade. It was something we all looked forward to every year.  The 4th was a big holiday at our house! It usually started by my dad walking around with us and inviting neighbors for blocks and blocks around our house. we would make little fliers and introduce ourselves to those we didn't know. we all had jobs the day of the parade, blowing up balloons, setting the barrels of popcorn out, icing drinks, flags in the yard, stealing sips of lemonade out of the cooler spout....and we would decorate and re-decorate our bikes or floats for weeks. i can still vividly picture all the scenes and they are very fond memories.

looking back i love the lessons that were being taught. now,don't get me wrong,  i think my parents just loved to throw a party...so it's good to know lessons are available in all that we do! :) you see, i loved that they put us out there...talking to adults, introductions, hospitality, an "everyone's welcome" mentality. Sometimes my dad would even put a sign in the yard inviting people to come to the parade. our yard was full of faces, both familiar and new,  and the streets were always lined with encouraging faces cheering on your crepe paper efforts.

We always had lots of different groups of friends, there were church friends, neighborhood friends, school friends, friends from way back, family friends and friends that were family, and you know, sometimes it is easier to compartmentalize your friend groups, but it is also great to have a place to have all your friends together where they all become friends too. that is a nice feeling! :) They taught me that YOU are the face of your community, or neighborhood, so embrace that and give people the chance to come together, get to know each other and make family memories.

 My mom was so great about not getting caught up in the fuss that a party can bring. i don't know how many times she has told me in the past couple weeks, "keep it simple!!!" :) my memories never involve feeling like this type of thing stressed my parents out...it was simple, it was fun. in this day and age where there is an idea or label  for every inch of your party on pinterest..don't get me wrong, i LOVE doing a good pinterest party but sometimes it feels good to keep it simple and stress free. the PEOPLE make the party! :)  i want my kids know that parties are for fun , they are not supposed to be something to worry or fuss about. everybody knows, that is called a wedding anywho. ;)

 my mom got sick before they were supposed to come down for the parade. they were SO sad to miss our first parade. if they would have been here, i think there might have been a ceremonial crowning of parade royalty retirement and new reign. my mom said she would give anything to be back in those shoes. i think i had my invisible parade crown on that day. i felt it. or my dad might have said it best to me,  "congrats, it is yours for the next 12 years!"

 the gartons had made a 4th of july soundtrack to blast on their loud speakers. so funny and defiantly set the mood. every party needs a soundtrack ya know.

 We repeat history--our favorite parts of it--and add pages of our own family to the greater legacy--volumes of summer memories over generations.

 We do it cause we remember what it feels like.

 Our parents passed the torch.

 We will feed the flames, inspired by the sentimental depth of our own summer memories

 oh ya, that guy up on the firetruck? the mayor. jason was SO excited to tell me he had secured the mayor and the firetruck. so funny.

happy 4th!