Happy 4th (+4)

Today is the 8th.  But I'm still reminiscing about our fun on the 4th.  So good! 

When I met my Canadian husband, I made it clear that I'm an American through and through.  So he's known from the start: 4th of July + American Thanksgiving = must do's for me.  And now with three dual kids?  He's outnumbered for life. 

Each year is the same.  Hometown festival.  Park, parade, fireworks.  Except this year, the big boys are 8 and 6...finally old enough to enjoy two big days of activities. 

What?  You thought the 4th was just the 4th?!?

The 3rd is all about wristbands and rides.

The carnival sets up what seems to be almost a week early every year.  And sells wristbands for all-you-can-ride nights leading up to the 4th.  Best $20 ever spent.

Charlie & George

George & Charlie

This shot is my fave.  It's like George is having the time of his life and even the ride operator is in on it.  Bliss.

Jumbo Corn Dog

This was not free with the wristband.  But he loves corn dogs so much.  It was worth the whopping $6.  And it actually started out double the size seen here. 

I'm not justifying.  It is the truth.  And he ate every crumb. 

Then the big boys did something new this year.  They stayed at the park (after riding 937463928374 rides) for the late night "flashlight candy hunt". 

Ready, Set...

...Go!

Three adjacent baseball fields are covered with candy in the outfield.  The lights go out and the kids run with flashlights.  This year was our first time, since it doesn't take place until 9:30pm. 

The 3 year olds would be throwing tantrums by 8:00.  But these guys loved it. 

Best item found by Henry: McDonald's Happy Meal Toy (of course)

--- Go home, sleep, wake up, back to the park ---

Parade Watching

All five grandchildren made it to the parade AND STAYED THE WHOLE TIME.  This is a first.  We were thrilled.

The hands over ears were deserved.  Because Wisconsin is the home of Harley-Davidson.  And our parade kicks off with over 100 of them.

Just One of Many

But as soon as those go by, and we wait for the rest of the parade to catch up...

My Brother and My Biggest Boy

...there's a guy we know that makes an appearance.

Front Row, Left = Dad!!

He breaks order and high fives Jake every year.  Love.

After the parade, we go back to the park to drink more, eat more and roll ourselves out of there.  Until we return for these.

It isn't the 4th without fireworks.  Until next year!!!