Happy Independence day!

Although this wasn't our first Fourth of July as a family, it was the first one we celebrated! Last year, we were staying with Matt's brother and sister-in-law for the week. And since Kent was just a little guy with a strict sleeping schedule and sensitive eyes and ears, I thought maybe it would be too much. Matt stayed home with a sleeping baby while I went with the rest of the family and waved to all the passing cars. My favorite memory was when me and Corrie picked out all of the gross candy from the kids' stash and tossed it back to random pedestrians on our drive back home. Hahah!!

This year, our little town had a great parade and we had the perfect little spot in front of our place. Right in the shade, away from large groups and a perfect view of all the commotion. Here are a few pictures in between waves and car honks and gathering candy.
That band was awesome...

 We didn't realize there would be some gun shots fired, so I might have yelped a little.

 I'm like "LOOK KENT! A TRUCK!" and he's like "taberries!" (strawberries)

 Live music on some hay stacks

This was so cool. These little kids were being pulled by the tractor in their own little cars on wheels.

One of the old time cars stalled out and stopped the parade for a bit. Matt helped push him off to the side. A tractor was getting ready to pull him the rest of the way, but he got the car started again.  

 Tractors for miles!

 Kent wasn't too fond of the loud sirens. His whole body tensed up.

At a nearby park, there was a horse show. They were neighing really loudly and as much as I tried to get Kent to pay attention, he did what he always does: look down and reach for a stick. 

But then another tractor got his attention, even though I couldn't bring it home for $44,000... sorry buddy!

What a nice morning it was to watch him play and eat his candy ;)