Independence Day

We started this Fourth of July with a parade. We came late so I think we missed the good floats. Dan made the remark that all we saw were contractor trucks and trailers pulling sweaty, candy throwing people. But, Riley was a good little parade watcher as she twirled her flags and waved at the people passing by.

After we stopped at Riley's favorite eatery, Chik-Fil-A for the usual, nuggets and milk (Mommy & Daddy love the sweet tea), we headed home. Our little firecracker took a long nap and awoke a few hours later to help Daddy plan the dinner menu. Dan has decided that the weekends will be his chance to cook for the family since I am the chef throughout the week. I am more than happy to oblige, and I must admit, I get a kick of making him put on my cupcake apron.

So, as I enjoyed my own little Independence Day from cooking, Riley and I played and snacked on Daddy's homemade gingerbread cookies. That's right ladies, homemade. They smelled and tasted delicious. For the main meal, Dan tried out a new Rachel Ray recipe, Tex-Mex Fried Chicken with Corn on the Cob. Very southern, we thought. Riley had her first encounter with corn on the cob. She loved her some butter and corn. She sucked and ate her way all the way around the cob. It was precious.

After dinner, we gathered all of our supplies and headed to our little city's Fourth of July bonanza. This year, they were doing a laser light show instead of fireworks, a good alternative to the loud blasts that we knew Riley would be afraid of.

She had a great time running around, looking at the red, white, and blue balloons that hung overhead, and dancing to the music. Sometimes, I think she got confused, and she would walk up to a group of people and sit down with them. It was funny and strange all at the same time.

We met a nice family of three who were seated next to our blanket. Their daughter was 20 months and Riley was slightly enamoured with her, her stroller, and her chair. Then, they got ice cream and all hell broke loose as Riley's taste buds went into overdrive. After standing in line for a good 2o minutes, Dan also returned with ice cream for his two favorite girls.

After 9:00 (over an hour past regular bedtime) the laser light show finally started. We were a little disappointed because it was not what we imagined. There was a large inflatable screen in which they projected images on while a green laser fanned across the crowd. I guess we were expecting more of a light show that resembled fireworks.

Finally, at 10:00, we returned home with a very cranky and sweaty baby. She drifted off to sleep as soon as we put on her pajamas, cradling her blankie as we sang our bedtime songs.

All in all, it was a busy, fun day...definitely one to remember.