New Traditions

Every year for the 4th of July we go to the Tri-cities. My grandparents have the perfect set up. They have a pool/BBQ party during the day and then at night we all take our lawn chairs and sit outside their place and watch the fireworks (the fireworks are let off on a big barge in the Columbia River below).


This year, though, we decided to spend the holiday at our cabin. We started the day with a parade. I love small town parades. First, they're short! Second, there is such a community feel with everyone standing together on "main" street watching their neighbors drive by on their 4-wheelers. It's fun to shout out at people you know! The kids got lots of candy and I got a little teary-eyed watching the veterans walk down the street carrying the American Flag. Thank you - thank you- thank you to the veterans.


We spent the rest of the day water skiing. We're all working hard to master this new sport. Ally and Nicholas are the best by far in our family. They have great form and are already crossing back and forth over the wake. I'll post more on this later.


As darkness set in, we got comfy on our dock and watched the amazing firework displays brought to us courtesy of our neighbors. I swear 2 of our neighbors on the lake were having some sort of fireworks competition. We sat back and enjoyed the show. My favorite part was watching the reflection of the fireworks on the water. It was like 2 sets of fireworks were going off at the same time: one above and one below. It was awesome!


Here are some pictures of the kids on the 4th of July and the yummy cake Ally and I made.