4th of July

How lucky are we that I decided to look up Clarksville's 4th of July Fireworks details a day in advance, to find out they would actually be on the THIRD of July! I sure was planning to go on the 4th.

Anywho, it was VERY exciting watching Anna Claire's reaction to all of the fun 4th events we had planned for her.

She could not wait to see the fireworks. She kept asking if it was time to go, and I just tried to keep her busy so she wouldn't get too antsy waiting. We considered parking at the Dunn Center and riding the bus to Riverside, like they suggest for you to do, but we ended up finding a spot right across the rode from the hub of the event. Easy peasy.

Anna Claire loved walking across the green "bridge" over Riverside Drive. We also walked all the way down a boat dock so she could see the water. We bought a couple of drinks and some chips, then found a spot for our blanket (AKA Anna Claire's "magic carpet"). We sat and listened to the band play until the fireworks started at 9:30. The band was really pretty good, playing lots of blasts from the past from the 80s and 90s.

Anna Claire LOVED the fireworks. It was so dark, that pics of her reaction weren't turning out, but I think her reaction is evident in this video post. Lots of WOWS. :)

(will post later)

The fourth of July, Pop's friend that he shoots with invited us to his big soiree on his property that backs up to the Red River, and the cleanest little creek you ever did see. It's like a fork where they meet. They roasted two whole hogs, and had more food on hand than you could possibly imagine. He was so thoughtful to provide a port-a-potty. It even had a sink for you to wash your hands. It was Anna Claire's first time to go in a port-a-potty. She called it the "black potty" because the toilet was black. :)

Anna Claire loved the food, playing in the water, and the watermelon in particular!

I love that sweet Catty and Blanket made it into this pic.

And this one...

Little patriot.

Ready. To. Go.

I don't know that this pic quite gets across the QUANTITY of food this child consumed: Pork barbecue, chicken, fresh catfish, mac-n--cheese, pasta salad, cantelope, green beans...She's such a good eater.

Wading in the creek. Can you see how clear the water is?

Me with my favorite girl.

LOVING that she was allowed to splash.

At last...the promised watermelon.

They were so thoughtful to have Capri Suns for the kids. And AC loved sitting in the green chair. Sat here after swimming for the longest.