Having a two year old, especially one prone to tantrums when tired, made the naps and bedtime important.
When Jude woke from his nap we were packed and ready to toss him in the car and head for the village parade.
parade ready
We even took the rare, if never before seen, step in the Miller house of sporting matching t-shirts for the holiday. (thanks old navy!) Jude got very excited to wake from his nap and put on a shirt that both momma and dada already had on.
the matching millers
Despite our patriotic apparel and enthusiasm, the actual holiday was more a dud than a dazzler. We arrived at the parade, gave Jude his miniature flag, only to see a little league team on a truck, a firetruck, and the street sweeper cleaning up at the end.
We put Jude back in the car and headed to our church potluck and party. But the scorching heat had them packing away the food and festivities a few hours ahead of schedule. So we arrived to watch them clean up. At least Jude got to splash in the kiddie pools for a bit.
Next up was fireworks. We put Jude to bed at his normal 7pm and planned to wake him in time to drive to fireworks. But by 8:15 it was raining, hard. We decided not to risk an awake kid and no show. But the skies cleared at 9 and we were at home, only hearing the booms and seeing the faintest flickers above the treeline.
Guess this year was our family fourth. Next year we vote for fireworks
