Fourth Festivities

Mason was perfectly content watching the neighborhood parade from the vantage point of his cousin Katherine's lap.

The parade takes place in Tage's old stomping grounds (where his mom still lives) so we had plenty of yards from which to enjoy the day. Mason couldn't get enough of the sights and sounds. When he wasn't with his cousin Katherine, his Uncle Keith was happy to give him a seat.

Me and my little guy in our red, white, and blue. He has my fair skin, so the poor kid was slathered in sun screen and forced to wear that hat all day (thankfully he actually doesn't mind the hat!)

After the enjoying the parade, walking the streets listening to the live bands and all the people watching, it was home for nap time before we headed over to Grandma Pete's. My youngest brother is a 4th of July baby so we always celebrate with swimming and a barbecue. My dad caught fresh tuna during a trip to the ocean the night before and the fish, served with summer squash from his garden and fresh fruit salad was amazingly delicious.

The water in the pool was on the cold side for Mason's first swim lesson but he was digging it. First on the steps with Daddy then all the way in with Mom. He loves to splash around! I have no doubt he'll be a water bug like his mommy.

Look at the sun glaring off the (sunblock covered) heads of my two baldies... so cute! Even Astro wanted to join in the fun but, as it typical of our dog, he was too chicken. Astro was entertained by running around the pool though, and was worn out by the end of the day.

Actually, we were all worn out by the end of the day. Tage and I were packing up dog and baby by 7pm and heading home. No fireworks for us this year, but a wonderful day with our family-- which is what it's all about.

Mason winding down his day with his great grandma.