The 4th of July has been tradition for us to attend the Williams celebration. There is always the parade and the activities at the park. Where else can you go and pay $.50 for a ride and a snow cone. This year the kids were in the parade. Childhood friends Paula and Jessica had their kids in the parade with mine. The plan was to have the kids ride bikes and we would throw candy. I wasn’t thrilled about being “IN” the parade. Once Grandma heard the plan, her creative juices were flowing and soon decorations were prepared. We needed a theme,” red, white and blue”, we needed a poster with a title “Little Firecrackers” and the rest was Grandma’s creations. Jake decorated his bike all up and Jayden pulled Luke in his wagon. Luke had a bucket and threw candy.I think the kids really enjoyed it and it went so fast. At the end of the parade route, I looked up to see Jacob a block away following some other floats. I thought to myself, I wonder where he will go and where he will end up. Surely he will look back and realize he is alone. He was going farther and faster. Soon, I was running and yelling. It was hot, I was sweating, I was also embarrassed as I had to look ridiculous as I was shouting. Still I could’nt help but think of Jake once he realized he was lost, surrounded by people he did not know and had absolutely no way of finding me. I ran a block and a half before he heard me and stopped. It was hot, we finally made our way back to Jess's house to sit and watch the end of the parade. Of course the candy had run out at this point, so the kids each got about 3 tootsie rolls. Knowing the park would be hot and crowded, I had a plan. The boys and I went back to my parents for an hour to cool off. Jayden stayed at the park and went to work. She loves working in the snow cone booth. She also gets to hang out with Santanna and Megan. Back at the park, the lines were way down and most people had gone on. It was great, except I missed seeing friends. I took the boys through the park, rode the train, played on the giant air pillow, both rides I enjoyed as a kid. I had Jayden try to help Luke on the air pillow, but he was too scared. After some park activities, snow cones, and ice cream, it was time to head home. Jayden ended up staying with Grandma so she could be with her friends.
Mark stayed back to compete in his third day of the Tough Man Ranch Rodeo. He was pretty beat by the time he got home. The heat, sweat, and toll it takes on your body was setting in. He was happy with his weekend, placed well with his team, but no first places. Makenna, Jayden's friend went home with a belt buckle for the weekend. That is one lucky kid.
Comments