Raspberry Smiles

This year everything is different.  Rob left us to go celebrate the Fourth with his brother in DC.  He’s always wanted to be in the capitol on the 4th, so being the kind and considerate wife (that blessed man) I agreed to the trip. 

While Racine’s 4th traditions are awesome; they are crowded and not something a single Mom wants to navigate.  We opted for First Fridays, then Sturtevant Fireworks, followed by Union Grove Parade.  We had so much fun, I may consider starting new family traditions.

We headed downtow with Aunt Cat and our first stop was the hotdog cart.  I love that Racine has a hotdog cart.  The dogs were yummy!  We ate them while looking at and smelling the horses per Harrison.  Noah climbed on the Monument and the cannons; but for Harrison it was all about the horses.

After dinner, we sauntered down to the fountains.  Noah stripped down and made one brave run.  Turns out the spray comes out kinda hard for a 3 year old, and that one run was to be the only of the evening.

Uncle Russ and Desi met us at the fountains and we heard all about their recent NY trip.  When I couldn’t keep the boys corralled any longer, we headed back to the a party.

After a little more fun on the Square, we walked up Main street to check out all the people, bands and chairs.

Then it was time to head to Aunt Anne’s for the fireworks.  We went with Anne, Bob, Cat, Spencer, Vinnie and Xander.  I brought frisbees and balls, so the boys ran around for an hour before the fireworks began. 

The fireworks were awesome.  Harrison kept saying “pop, pop” and both boys shouted out the colors.  Harry fell asleep during the fireworks, Noah made it almost home.  Those boys have NEVER been up to 10pm before.

We slept  in til 7am and raced to get ready for the parade.  We had all the same group with the addition of our friends Megan and Sarah.  The Union Grove Parade rocked.  The candy, of course, was a big hit, but so were all the tractors and mini-horses!  I think we might try it again.

Poor Anne.  Today is her due date.  How fun it will be to meet that little firecracker!

And poor Aunt Cat; I think my boys and I wore her out!

Happy Fourth of July!!!