The 4th

We spent the 4th in Richmond this year with my parents, and without Craig, as he was busy with his head in the books studying for The Bar.  We missed him, but had a great time nonetheless.  The morning of the 4th we went to a church activity with my parents and brother a beautiful nearby park.  We enjoyed patriotic songs from some cute kids (Ella refused to get involved), and were entertained with a big speech by Patrick Henry himself (who is actually the actor who does all of the reenactments at the historic St. John's Church in Richmond).  It was a lot of fun! 

Watching the speech

Picture with PH

 

Cuddles with PH

Next, we went with my brother Cordell, his gf Mara, her parents, and good friends Maddy and Bryce to a little parade in Ashland.  It was really a tiny parade with nothing motorized, but the perfect length for little kids.  Oh also, I need to give a big thanks to Maddy for taking all of the pictures... without her we would not have anything to remember that day!

Parade is about the start!

The best part.  The Lawn Chair Brigade.

 After the parade we walked to the community art center for a few activites.  We met up with a random Jack Sparrow.  Don't know why he was part of the 4th of July parade... but we couldn't resist taking a picture with him, and I couldn't resist smelling his luscious locks.

But the most exciting party was Ella mad skills during the watermelon seed spitting contest!  They said she was the best for her age.  Woohoo!

That night my dad bought some fireworks for Ella to see, but right before we set them off we got a call from my little brother who had been in a big car accident.  It started raining like crazy, he hydroplaned, barrel rolled, and totaled his car, but made it out without a scratch!  Scary but so thankful he is okay!  God must have been looking out for him that night. 

The next night I woke up Ella around 10, and we did the fireworks for her then.  She was in awe and loved every second of it.  It was a great 4th!