Kids in America

Now I am feeling quite nostalgic. This was the first Fourth that we have celebrated with Greta (and Jack) where she kind of knew what the deal was. She tried to learn "Grand Ole Flag" by listening to me sing it to her over and over and over again. She was excited for fireworks and all of the people dressed in stars and stripes. Jack, well, he just loves to be a part of what ever is going on.

We woke up and partied at the Prairie Village Festival. They call it Perfect Village for a reason. It was perfect....kind of Norman Rockwell. They had so many fun things to do and see. The DooDads and Mr. Stinky Feet were playing on stage, and then there were also bands with good old bluegrass to keep the people dancing. There were burgers and dogs and sodas for cheap and picnic tables to enjoy them with your family. There were flags everywhere, a kid parade down Mission Rd., fire trucks and inflatable slides, rides and animals. There were clowns and face painters that did a great job...some kids looked so cool! They had a chinook land and take off and it was incredible to see. We had so much fun together. That was it...we were together and life is good. I feel very happy about it and about all the fun things we are going to get to do in our future...I feel very lucky to be a part of this.

The party ended and we napped. We woke up to Derek heating up the coals to grill KC strip steaks and asparagus. I made cookies and packed up a cooler with drinks and snacks....we were off to Leawood's celebration! (Are we city crashers, or what?) Leawood had live music and all kinds of food vendors set up around bouncy things for the kids. We laid down a quilt and chairs and our goodies and dove into the jumping. But, then the sky opened and it began to rain. Then it poured. We were rained out. Back to the car, and soaking wet we ate cookies and laughed as a bottle of Coke blew up all over me. Greta sang Gaga for us. We got home and looked for a festive way to end our fun. It was the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks in HD on Derek's big ole TV. Jack got out all of the instruments we have and we played along. Doesn't this sound cheesy? It was freakin fun. I love kids and I love life...and I love John Philip Sousa! I am not sure any finale would top this one, for me! Happy Independence Day!