Patriotic Fun

Fourth of July is amazing in the South.

First of all, the Sunday service was incredible. Instead of a sermon, we enjoyed a musical program with choir, orchestra, video, and slides of veterans and those actively serving. My favorite part was when the choir sang the theme song to each of the branches of the military. While they sang, those who had served in that branch stood up and the rest of us clapped for them. My other favorite part was when four of our veterans presented the colors. They were in their various uniforms and marched to the front of the church in dignified ceremony. I was an emotional wreck by the end of the service -- an emotional wreck in a good way!

For Independence Day, we went to the parade in downtown Newnan. Mac wanted to come, and later before the fireworks show, Christiana (another neighbor kid) joined us. So we had seven kids with us after all. (We miss Keri Lynn and Kristofer, though! Happy Fourth, babies!)

The parade was absolute small town charm. It was just plain fun. Various veterans groups walked by before the parade began passing out flags. Keva especially hung on to hers the whole night and waved away! Then, the parade started with the American flag front and center. Keith reminded the kids to stand up in honor of the flag and none of us sat down again! Seven soldiers that served in Afghanistan and Iraq served as Grand marshals. Then came the parents of a son killed in Iraq. They marched, each holding a picture of their son. I had to look down and steady my camera for a bit to get myself together. There were also many of the older vets. One very stately gentleman in his dress uniform sat at the back of a truck wearing countless honors on his chest -- he had served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Following him were several classic cars, a half dozen tractors, a marching band, horses, various clubs and organizations, churches, and campaign groups. Everyone was passing out candy and little toys for the kids, pens and fliers for adults. The kids all got servings of Coldstones icecream! They brought home enough candy to hype them up for the rest of the week!

My feet became lunch for a bunch of ants while the parade made its way passed us and over to Drake Stadium at Newnan High School a few miles down the road. It was hot and humid, probably about 95-97 degrees, but not uncomfortable. (Or maybe I'm getting used to the weather!) We had parked at the church parking lot, only a block away, so getting back to the van wasn't' bad at all.

Then we went to stake a claim at the fireworks show over at Newnan High School. We got a great parking spot, but just as we were getting out of the van, the clouds started gathering and the wind was picking up speed. Two lightening strikes decided it for us. We'd make our spot in the grass next to the car where we found a nice family who informed us that they'd enjoyed the fireworks from that very spot last year. As it turns out, this family was also new to Newnan. He's a pilot for a Delta subsidiary and she's pregnant with their third and possibly fourth little one --too early to know but ultrasound showed the possibility of twins. Maybe we'll see little ones next year.

The day was a lot of fun. I was worried that the logistics wouldn't work out since it was our first Fourth of July in uncharted territory. Instead, we were even able to enjoy a lovely fireworks show and even get back to our car before the majority of the crowds plugged up the exits. (This is a big plus for Keith!)

We dropped off the two kids who had come with us and when we got home essentially piled out of the van and piled into our respective beds, happy but exhausted!

Today, I went on my walk. The weather is fairly mild and it's supposed to rain by the end of the week. The kids are running around the neighborhood. They must be snacking wherever they go, because it's nearly 4:30 and I haven't given them any lunch yet. I made a whole loaf of bologna sandwiches for when they do come through, but now I'm wondering if they've just eaten some neighbors out of house and home! Sorry neighbors!