Let Freedom Ring!

We began the 4th of July this year the same way we have for the past 5 years...at the local parade.  

(Last year I went solo with the kids because Ryan had a double ear infection - true story.)

It was a bit overcast yesterday and rained pretty steadily before the festivities. 

Clare eventually took refuge in the double stroller.  

Thankfully it dried up right before the parade began!

It was Ellen's first parade and she was such a good girl!  It was an hour long and she took her morning nap during the last 20 minutes of the parade.  

This is one of my favorite pictures from yesterday: 

This parade souvenir may or may not currently be "lost" at our house...

Some of our favorite floats...

(The band)

Our parade neighbors had made these buckets to collect their loot.  So cute and festive...might have to make some ourselves!

The rest of our day was spent preparing for and hosting a 4th of July get-together with family.  I tried a new recipe, "Magic S'more Bars," for dessert and they were so yummy and rich.  I'll have to share the recipe because they were a hit!  (Did I mention they were delicious???)

And no 4th of July is complete without fireworks!  (And Jude being Jude...)  

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!