Our Fourth Fourth!

We have been celebrating our fourth 4th of July in our neighborhood since we moved here three years ago in 2010. This also happens to be our neighborhood's 50th Fourth of July Celebration anniversary. We are very blessed to live where we live with so many wonderful neighbors, children and traditions to participate in together. Wow! 50 years of Forest Brook 4th of July Celebrations!!! Today we have enjoyed the annual flag raising where veterans and scouts are invited to wear their uniforms while patriotic hymns are sung and the flag is raised. Howie and the girls then participated in the prediction race which traverses the neighborhood. All participants predict their time of completing the course and whoever comes the closets wins. Mailbox decoration is also a big completion for the fourth. We never win, but it's always fun just to decorate. I hear libations help in the judging ;-). Emma-Caroline participated for the first time ever in the kids softball tournament and Howie participated in the adult softball tournament. Emma-Caroline did really well for her first time out on the field and scored four runs for her team!  The girls also participated in the kids' parade. And Macy and I participated in the canine parade. We later had a wonderful dinner and participated in the family Olympics. All in all it was an amazing day. What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation's Independence Day!

 Howie taught Emma-Caroline how to swing a bat before the game. She had never played before, but did really well!

 Emma-Caroline's number one cheerleader sporting her Forest Brook tee from 2010 and some very patriotic rain boots!

 A serious outfielder!

 First time at bat!

 And she gets a hit!

 She is safe!

 Emma-Caroline being coached by her daddy.

 Running in to score a point for her team! Go Emma-Caroline!

 Sophie was joined by Molly in the cheering section!

 Later the girls got cleaned up for the 4th of July neighborhood parade and other fun activities!

 I added patriotic bunting under the front windows this year. I had to trim those bushes in order for us to see the bunting after I had already put it up. Boy are my arms sore!

 Don't you just love my ADT sign? At least it's blue and white so it goes with the patriotic theme. Note to self to move it some place else!

 Our neighbor's across the street and their mailbox décor!

 And our mailbox décor!

 Emma-Caroline and Sophie with our friend Davidson down the street.

 The dogs even got to be a part of the parade this year, so Macy came along!

 Sophie is all set!

 So are Emma-Caroline and Davidson!

 There were lots and lots of participants in t he children's and dog parade!

 Sweet Macy!

 Getting ready to start!

 Sophie and Abby!

 Waiting for the start.

 And they're off!

After the parade the girls and I went off for food and fun while Howie took the girl's bikes back home. Good thing Emma-Caroline has a bigger bike now and Howie can actually ride it!

Happy fourth of July 2013!