July 4th

July 4th started off nice and early. We got up at 6:30 a.m., during the summer time this is early for our family, and headed out to watch the hot air balloons take off. They took off then had to circle back around and drop a bean bag on a target. Our favorite part is watching the taking off, we usually don't stay for the rest.

The pig was Teya's favorite. If you lay down in the grass you didn't kink your neck. So here's Teya taken it easy.

Smokey the bear was another favorite and just happen to come watch his balloon take off.

Here's dad sporting his Navy helmet from years gone by. I don't reckon it was that tight when he was 20 something. The suction about nearly ripped his ears off!

Grandpa Lewis, cousin Zane and Spencer working to get the flag raised.

This was kind of a special moment for my dad. The flag pole is actually on the property next door that my parents just purchased, so in years past we've never done a flag raising ceremony on the 4th. The flag that we used was the flag that was draped over the coffin of my grandpa Bert Lewis. Dad's dad. He was a WWII veteran. My dad got a little emotional when he started talking about his dad so my mom helped tell the grandkids how great-grandpa had served in the war and that this flag was given to the family of the deceased in honor of their service.

We then took a minute to have Ter read the Declaration of Independance. I think we need to do this more regularly. I'm not sure Americans remember what our founding fathers wrote. They were truely inspired by God.

Next on the agenda was the parade. I do miss beautiful floats.! We mostly saw fancy cars and people walking. They didn't even toss candy. What's a parade without candy!

The rest of the day was spent at mom and dad's with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. We had a wet game of waterballoon vollyball....

several rounds of basketball....

tons of conversing....

and great grandma Johnson's favorite, singing patriotic songs....

Dad and Uncle Steve on the guitars...

the choir.....

Aunt Kaylynn asked several people to act out different famous people in history. So here is Jeff doing his part.

Just before the fireworks began, we all participated in the Virginia Reel. The is a fun dance that can be done with 4 or 40 people. Sara and Kara played their violins while dad and uncle Steve played the guitars. Someone also had a tamborine, it was great fun!

Here's some of our talented crew!

I think Kara is playing the Peach Blossom Special!?