July 4th Festivities

We had a busy, fun & hot 4th of July this year!  Apple Valley has their "Freedom Days" over the 4th week so that was fun to experience.  The big parade was on the 4th at 1:00, and it was about 100 degrees.  It was a fun parade though, so we sweated through the whole thing.  Good thing we had a cooler with a million waters in it.  The kids had fun getting and eating candy, and they loved the marching bands, fire trucks, and even a monster truck! 

Leyton with his candy bag and political stickers... He was just excited to get some stickers!

 For the start of the parade they had Jets fly overhead, which was pretty neat. 

 These pictures show just how hot it was... Cal was a sweaty mess, just dripping the entire time (but really we all were!)

 We had a big blanket and chairs, but the boys just kept inching closer and closer to the street to see the action better and get candy:

 The night before Cal got his first tattoo.  He perfected the word tattoo and would point to it constantly! He was so proud.

 Leyton posing with the monster truck:

 That night we all headed to the Apple Valley fireworks. They started at 10 and I'm pretty sure it was still close to 100 degrees.  We got there early and enjoyed some food and Cal enjoyed the music/dancing! We could not keep him off the dance floor. Grandpa said several times "best 4th ever" so I'm glad we were able to do this with him and Sarah!

 This was Cal's reaction to the first few fireworks!  I don't think he was prepared for the brightness and the noise!

 He started really getting into it though:

 Yes, its 10:30 and Leyton's hair is wet with sweat:

 We also went down and saw the firetrucks, helicopter, ambulance, etc. that they had for the kids:

 Thank goodness for the ice cream sandwiches they were handing out!

 Leyton and Cal showing off their American flag tattoos:

 Cal on the Merry Go Round:

 Leyton trying out the airplanes.  He LOVED this ride and went on it about 5 times!