You're a Grand Ole Flag

4th of July Parade

This 4th of July was full of adventures for both our kids, but Edmund will be the one to remember them as he wasn't the one to sleep through said adventures.  Upon waking bright and early Edmund dutifully reminded us to pack his trike in the trunk of Daddy's car because he was going to ride it in a parade.  Our neighbors had let us know about a bike decorating event at Central Park in downtown Durham and we made plans to meet them there.  When we arrived the kids chose red and blue balloons and paper flags to put on their trikes.  They then chose a variety of odds and ends provided free by "The Scrap Exchange" to perfect their parade creations.  Edmund found bunches of aluminum foil and sponges cut into star shapes with which to decorate his trike.  Daddy helped Edmund string the sponges on some ribbon.  It was a very beautiful piece of work, which Edmund decided proudly to display on his trike's trunk.  After about 10 minutes of decorating Edmund was done so he and Daddy went to explore the fire truck that made a special appearance for the event.  While they did that I decorated Evie's stroller with her own balloon and flag.  She needed a festive ride if she was going to be in the parade too, even if she did sleep through the whole thing.

Driving the Fire Truck

At 10:15 on the dot the parade master called all riders to line up.  As patriotic tunes played on the loud speaker we made our way around the park.  There was a short episode of tears as Edmund had trouble understanding why he couldn't ride his trike at full speed.  "You mean I can't run into the people in front of me?"  Going at the pace of the crowd when you're a little kid just learning to control your speed is a bit "tricky".  It seemed he wasn't the only kid with this problem, as his friends Jacob and Abbie also found it a bit trying to correct their speeds.  Edmund's tears were short lived and he returned to his happy self.  The parade reminded me of old timey photos of 4th of Julys past and I couldn't help but think this is one holiday that time hasn't changed much. When the paraders finished the route there were popsicles waiting for all. This was the perfect way for us to cool down in the sweltering heat.

After the parade we returned home and cooled down before hosting a neighborhood ice cream social.  Due to the heat we socialized quickly before heading back inside.  Edmund went down for a late nap, which fit our plan perfectly.  Our goal was to get him to sleep a little later than normal because for the first time since he was born we decided to take Edmund to the fireworks.  And since Evie goes everywhere the family goes. she was going to get to see some fireworks too.

The fireworks weren't to begin until 9:30.  Edmund's normal bedtime is 8 in the summer, so this was also our first experiment with purposely keeping him up.  Not only were we taking him to a place with loud noises, which has always been a source of stress for him, but we would be taking him when he would be on the verge of exhaustion.  Steven and I knew this could be a great experience for all of us or one that could implode at any time.  We decided to risk it.  We thought the odds would be in our favor since we invited our neighbors and their children and Edmund is much more brave in the presence of friends.

"American Flag Evie"

At 9 pm we packed up the kiddos and headed to Kenan Stadium, home of UNC football, in Chapel Hill.  As we walked from the parking deck to the stadium, Edmund, Jacob, and Abbie talked about how excited they were to see the "boom booms."  When we entered the gates we all received glow stick necklaces.  It's  been years since I played with one of those.  I love the crackle they make as you activate the glow.  The crackling sound took me back to my childhood and made me that much more excited to introduce Edmund to the fireworks.  We continued further into the stadium where Grandma and Grandpa had saved seats for all of us.



As 9:30 approached we were filled with anticipation.  I was more concerned with how Edmund would fare.  If he didn't like the fireworks we would be stuck for 30 minutes with a screaming child.  Finally the moment of truth arrived.  The first few booms went off.  Edmund covered his ears, but said "this sounds just like the fireworks in Mary Poppins."  So far, so good.  The noise got to be a bit much for him, so Edmund decided to don some headphones that Grandma and Grandpa had thoughtfully packed for him.  With the noise out of the equation, Edmund absolutely loved the fireworks.  Every time I looked down the aisle to make sure he was OK I observed the biggest smile imaginable on his face.  I was getting to experience one of my favorite childhood events again through his eyes.  And when your child is having the best time of his life it's hard for you not to as well.  "How did Evie enjoy her first fireworks?," you ask.  She slept through it of course.