Fourth of July

(Isn't it nice how you can edit the date of these posts and pretend that you actually posted about the 4th of july on the 5th of july? love that.)

It is our tradition to spend the fourth with David's family up in Liberty. We love it.
On the evening of the 3rd, we went to a rodeo at the park and watched the horses.
Charlotte loved it; poor Hazel had a sore throat, so we didn't stay for long.

David and Hazel, with tea for the sore throat. Hazel felt very fancy.


Funny story: On the morning of the 4th, we started with a parade. It was still a little chilly outside so Hazel was wearing this hoodie. As they threw out candy, she stuffed it into her pockets to save for "later." Then an hour or two later, when it really warmed up and the sweatshirt was off, she asked, "Where's my candy?" We told her that it was safe in her sweatshirt but that she couldn't have anymore yet. Suddenly she pretended to shiver (in the 90 degree heat) and said in a pained voice, "I'm cold."
Smarty pants.

This was the first year we signed Hazel up for the "Chicken Catch." They line up all the 3-4 year olds and have them chase a chicken. Whoever catches it, keeps the chicken.

At first she was really excited until she had to walk out there by herself. With some help, she made it into the line with the other kiddos.

After all was said and done, she decided that it was all a little too scary for her. She finally spotted us through the fence and headed towards us, trying really hard not to cry. So cute.


After that we watched the older kids catch greased pigs and ride on wild, bucking sheep (mutton busting). I wonder if Hazel will ever have the nerve.
Dave always wishes they had a 18+ age group.


So Gram brought this bright red scarf with her to add a little red to her attire and Hazel asked to wear it. Then she added my sunglasses and was ready for stardom.

The caterpillar ride. One of our fav's.

Our new neighbors, the Taylors, joined us for the day. So fun.

I don't know that Hazel really understood the game of tug-o-war, but she enjoyed herself nonetheless!

Hazel has a slight fear of big slides, but she took this one like a champ and went twice. I love all of the different events they have at this park! Every year is different. Some years I bring things to sell; this year we tried some homemade root beer and I found a pair of hand-made earrings. And we ate about six snowcones.

Hazel bobbed for apples for the first time in her life. It was so hot outside; I would have totally dunked my head in that bucket if it weren't for my dear bangs. Guys have it so easy.

We entered Hazel into the cake walk and she won a bunch of cupcakes. Lottie thought that was the greatest part of the day.

Watermelon seed spitting contest.

Every year David enters the fish catching contest and catches a fish for our family to grill up that night. Well, we don't actually ever grill them up...last year he left the fish in our hot car for two days. This year he left four fish in his parents' basement sink for three days. His mom realized they were still there when she came home from work to get the house ready for Book Club and it reeked of fish!

This was the first year David signed me up for the fish catch. I got soaked as I reached for every single fish that passed through my little corner. I was about to give up when I finally wrapped my hands around a little trout that was probably pretty close to death already.
I was very proud.

Then we settled in for fireworks. I thought I'd get one last shot of my sweet girls, fighting over who got to sit in the chair. Lottie may be little, but she can sure hold her own.

Happy Fourth!