We dressed and drove to my hometown, Clinton, for the Olde Glory Days Parade. You would start to say how hot it was and then a nice cool breeze would go by. The sun was out, but not glaring. There were old friends to see every where you looked. It was such a great idea for the weekend - to be back home and share it with my husband and babies. Our first stop was Hunt's Home Decorating Store to see Gee. Now that my dad is staying at the Veteran's Home, my mother has put her passion into the store and giving it new life. She is beyond creative and talented. The store looks amazing with what little she has done so far. She says there is so much more to do and I know it will be so good for her and this little community. Hunt's is now a high end antique store with custom picture framing and the expertise of a life long antique-er. My mother is a gem with her knowledge and the store is proof.
Gee had a surprise for the kids. There were two rows of candy jars and bags to fill. Runts, Jelly Bellies, Swedish Fish, gum drops, gum balls, ropes of red licorice...We decided to take some and meet a best friend from clear back to my childhood, and her family, at the parade. I knew where they would be - on the corner of the square nearest to her parent's newspaper. We put up chairs and watched our kids take it in. Emily and I used to be those kids watching the parade on the Clinton Square from in front of our Grandparent's businesses. It is good that some things never change. And, it didn't even make me feel old...Just proud.
The parade was full of all of my favorites. I love the Shriner's in their little cars. I love the marching band and flags (although they seem so young now!) I love the hometown feel that Clinton gave us this Fourth of July. There was so much candy -Greta and Jack were in awe. One of my favorite memories was this....Candy was thrown to the crowd of children who ran to gather it with both hands. Greta, Nick, Jonathan, Kate, Daniel would all get some, and share with each other, but Jack ran behind them to gather candy from the piles they left behind at their seats! Jack got caught by a boy down the row a bit! He said, "Hey, you better stop that!" Jack said he no speak English.
We left the parade a little bit early to find relief from the sun. Greta and Jack were due for naps and Gee had a picnic waiting at the store. It was so nice to spread out a quilt and share hot dogs, pasta salad, baked beans and fresh fruit in the coolness of the store...just us...and Gee had a ginger beer for Derek. Then Katie, Chase, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Don joined us for a visit. The kids love them, too. Chase is adored and kissed on and his hands are held as we all "awe" at the cuteness. As fun as that was, we were keeping up momentum and Clifford the Big Red Dog was scheduled to make an appearance on the square and Greta was eager. We were off quickly to give him a "Big red hug". He was smaller than she expected. But was soft and nice.
And then there is the carnival. Greta saw the "Dragon Wagon". She was determined and would not be talked out of it. I thought I was going to panic for her. I could feel my heart racing and envisioned seeing her on this kiddy coaster in total terror and me not being able to get her off fast enough. I told the man running it that it was her first EVER ride and I didn't know what would happen. He said I could stand on the first step of the landing. I put her in the car and buckled her seat belt and I put her hands on the bar in front and told her to hang on tight. The dragon took off. I waited and it seemed like horrible slow motion for the car to make the first turn and show me her face...Would it be screaming and full of fright or laughter!? Neither. She was concentrating with one little corner of her mouth curling up. She liked it! She was thrilled and felt so big. She is braver than I am.
This Fourth of July is definitely building up for a great finale!
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