Happy 4th of July

Last year when we were all waiting around hoping for a firecracker baby (who still took another 5 days to come)  we said we'd be at the farm this year for the 4th. But Brent and I decided we needed to get this fence done and made a big push to finish it this weekend.  It really takes maybe 50 times longer when you have Joel running around and wanting to help or get into trouble.  But he did take a 4 hour nap on saturday so we got most of it done.  All that is left is putting up a few more slats and then the gates.  Amazing how we thought it would take 2 weekends but we're getting there :)  On Sunday we decided to take a break from the fence and took the boys to a bike parade in Portsmouth. 

Colin was very excited and kept asking all day Sunday when it was time to go.  Joel wasn't too impressed but loved holding the balloon. I had seen this bike parade advertised last year and it was in the paper this year too so I was surprised when we got there and maybe 30 kids were in the parade.  Some of these kids had amazing decorations on their bikes. I should've taken a picture of some of them.  We got lots of ideas for next year

A fire truck led the parade and the kids took off.  At one point I saw Colin trying to make his way up past the fire truck. He seemed to think it was a race and he wanted to win.  He did crash into a tricycle and a parked car and I had to run to help them up but thankfully no one was hurt.  Colin told me the kid on the tricycle saved his life!  I guess he fell on top of the boy. 

Joel was towards the end.  He was the only stroller in the parade.  Which won him a prize.  We weren't expecting anything but he won this big basket full of goodies.  Helps when you're the only one in your catagory :)  I thought they shouldve given it to some of the other kids who took a lot of time on their bikes.  Colin was excited when we told him they both won the prize and took over most of the things.  There was this huge art box filled with art supplies that Colin loves.  And Joel would just eat the crayons so we happily gave those to Colin. 

There was a little ceremony that we stayed for.  Listened to some songs, ate some cake, drank punch and then came home to a cookout at our neighbors.  Yummy food and Colin got to set off some firecrackers.  Then they all walked over to the playground across the street and watched fireworks go off - illegal ones that someone in our neighborhood was setting off. We could hear the ones going off at Mt. Trashmore but couldnt see them.  I stayed home and put Joel to bed.  A fun 4th and maybe next year we will get back to the farm.