Independence Day 2011

I had the best July 4th ever. Even though it has already come and gone, I still wanted to share my wonderful memories of last Monday. I am so happy and blessed with my beautiful family. I had a great time!!! Can't wait until next year!

First, we started with a July 4th parade in the tiny town of Montreat, NC. It was a quaint, adorable parade. The crowd shouted U-S-A! U-S-A!

 

 I never miss the opportunity to wear red, white and blue. It is one of my most favorite color combos. Love love!

 Dress, Earrings & Slip: Vintage, Belt: Thrifted, Hat: Target? Shoes: Etsy, Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Pin: Brian's

After the parade we gathered our energy for the walk back to the car. Unfortunately, these shoes gave me two horrid blisters after the hike in so I wasn't thrilled to give them another go on the way back. Oh well! No rest for the weary, I guess! We had to get to the pool....and have a picnic, of course.

We played in the pool for a while until we were a bit famished. Yummy sandwiches, ants on a log, goldfish, carrots and bananas were on the menu.

The lifeguard blew his whistle after an hour or so after we got back in because he heard some thunder. So we packed up a little earlier than expected but turns out it gave us some extra time to get ready for the festival and fireworks.

Lots of great things to do at the festival. Here is some fun with paints. I enjoyed this one myself. Maybe more than the bubble station? :)

 

 Riley took this one!

 

Riley got to jump in the bouncy house for what seemed to be hours. We drew pictures with chalk on the sidewalk and Riley had a little too much blue cotton candy.

He just had to get his face painted....twice!

We hung out at the festival until the sun started to set. Then we grabbed a few delicious hot dogs...and some ice cream(!) and headed down to the grass to toss down a blanket and enjoy the fireworks. I didn't quite get spectacular fireworks pics because they were too beautiful in real life to be behind the camera! Here are a few that I (and Riley) took throughout the show. I hope you had a good holiday weekend as well!