Fourth of July Parade

My sister married Moose, whose parents live right on the parade route, so they saved us some sweet spots. People mark their "territory" for the parade days before, literally. So we're lucky to have the in-law hook-up.

Beads, Lex, and Dad ran the Firecracker 5K, which ended right before the parade started. Dad wanted me to join them, but I hadn't reached the six-week mark yet, so I wanted to wait to exercise. And I hadn't exercised in 10 months, so I don't think I would have done very well! Here's Lex, post-race (she had knee surgery a couple of months ago, and she was showing me that her surgery knee is poofier than the other one):

And Beads:

And Dad:

Dad is in such good shape. I can only hope to be jogging when I'm 54!! Here's Ben:

And Micah. He was pretty miserable the whole time. We had to keep him covered with a light blanket, because you can't put sunscreen on babies until they're six months old (so I've been told). And it was just sooo hot. So he was pretty uncomfortable, being held against hot people, with a hot blanket on top of him:

Me, eating some fresh fruit. Moose's folks always have amazing food at the parade:

My Uncle Kurt is a scoutmaster, and this is a photo of him. His troupe gathered garbage from everyone along the parade route. He's along the left edge of the road, pointing at our group (we were screaming at him). It's kind of hard to see him:

Sadie:

Dylan:

Mom:

The parade was fun, and the kids made a killing on candy being thrown from all the floats. I wish it wasn't so dang hot every year, but that's life. I was proud of myself for not crying when the veterans float went by - I almost always cry when I see the veterans, and the flag flying... sooo emotional. Anyways, thanks, Joyce and Homely, for letting us sit on your lawn! What great seats!!