The fourth of July was really low key for us this year. Which I loved! I get a little stressed when it comes to holidays and trying to fit everything in. This year, we didn’t feel rushed, we didn’t have 20 places to go…it was just a nice relaxing weekend.

We took in the fireworks in Waterloo on Friday night of the weekend…mainly so we didn’t have to worry about seeing them on Monday night and then getting the kids to bed late when we’d have to get up for Ellie’s t-ball the next morning.

Sunday, we headed to my parents house, and then onward to feed the ducks in Charles City. It had been awhile since we’d done this – I think Evan was just born…

yep…there he is…at two months and one day old, “feeding” the ducks.

and there is Ellie…(such a little girl!)

So, it was time to make a return trip – one perhaps Evan will remember.

He loved it! He really got into the throwing part!

And all Ellie wanted was for a goose to take the bread out of her hand. One eventually did…and then she went back to throwing too…I think it may have scared her a little more than she’ll admit.

The next day was the 4th…and we spent the morning at the parade with my parents and grandparents.

Waiting for the parade when it’s 95+ degrees outside is one hot affair! Thank goodness for grandma and her 4 umbrellas!

You can see how the sharing of one was going…

But each with our own, mom and i were staying “nice and cool”. Well, it was better anyway.

By the time the parade started, the kids didn’t care anyway…they were up, in the street, getting candy, and greeting…Elmo? How hot would this guy have been? Woah.

And here is my favorite series of pictures from the morning…she sees Ronald…she calls out “hey, Ronald”. He waves like they’ve been friends forever…and then comes over. I love this guy. Something about him gets me thinking about french fries and strawberry lemonade (which, sadly, I’m addicted to!)

AND he brings his own picture frame!

Not to be left out of course!

What a great morning! Hot and all…I’ll still take it. We celebrated after the parade with lunch at my grandma and grandpa’s house. Followed by a nap. Now there is a holiday tradition I never miss…and one that never gives me stress in planning!