Happy 4th!!!

We started our celebration early, since the neighborhood parade was on the 3rd this year (Q: When's the 4fh of July?  A:  The 3rd of July!).  This is the 9th year that we've hosted our China adoption friends at our house for the neighborhood parade.  As one dad noted, he'd be happy to host it, if I could only persuade the parade folks to move the parade route to pass right by his house about 15 miles away! 

The parade happened despite a week of rain and light early morning showers.  We decorated the truck even though it was wet (duct tape will stick to anything!), and it looked especially festive with the multi-colored, no-longer-needed umbrellas practically covering the bed.  The kids managed to throw -- or eat! -- about 1,000 candies along the short parade route!  Afterwards, we had the traditional watermelon and lemonade.

Hope you're enjoying your holiday.