Now, THAT'S the way you do it

I have to say that this year's 4th of July celebration was exactly how it should be done - especially in small town America.  It started with the traditional Green Lake festivities. This year, instead of pony rides, they had baby animals for the kids to hold.  Saying that Avery was obsessed with holding the baby bunnies would be an understatement.

Even mom got to hold one!

 

Then, it was onto the boat races!

 

 

And, this year, Alex tried shooting the Bismark!  He actually hit some balls pretty far!

Then, it was off to watch the parade.

 

The kids got a real kick out of getting all of the truck drivers to honk their horns this year. 

After the parade, we all headed down to the concert on the lake.  This is one of those things that just gets better and better as the kids get older and older.  I remember when Alex and Annabel were babies.  We went to the concert - had a quick bite to eat and a beer and then headed out before the band even started.  Every year after that, we have stayed just a little bit longer.  And, sure enough - this year was the record.  Not only did we stay for the entire concert, but we stayed for the fireworks at the end!  And, I have to say, Green Lake, WI fireworks are an excellent introduction to fireworks for young kids.  While it was a nice show, it was no big city performance, which was actually quite perfect for our crowd.  I mean, I'm not sure a 4th could be any better - festival, parade, concert, food, beer, fireworks.  Gotta love small town America!