How To Stretch The 4th of July -

The 4th of July (or Independence Day) is the big holiday during the summer in the U.S.  Each small town across the country has parades, pancake breakfasts, rodeos, and fireworks to celebrate.  The heat of a long, hot summer doesn't seem to stop anyone, especially the kids. 

Centerville started off it's celebration with the Children's parade on July 3rd.  All five of ours joined the fun by decorating their bikes
and riding down the street to be cheered on by proud grandparents.  The parade ended at the city park where there were bands playing, food to purchase and games to play.  All the participates of the parade were rewarded with a tasty treat.

We have been having major fires in the West, with some states, sadly,  setting records for number and severity.  With all that was at stake, many cities banned fireworks along the foothills.  Our home was in one such areas so the sparklers we had purchased were passed on to our kids to use at the 4th of July barbecue Allison had at her home for the extended family.

Apparently others weren't too concerned about the fear of fires as we sat back and enjoyed massive amounts of fireworks being set off  in neighborhoods around the city, and just down the street.  Our guess is that people pooled their money to buy some pretty expensive fireworks.

 The next morning, we all headed up to the cabin.  What a change.  It rained
all morning (breaking a long run of dry days and helping a bit with putting out some local fires) and we were concerned that the rodeo we had planned to go to with Allison's family that night would be cancelled.  We were assured that the rodeo would go on no matter what, but luckily the sun came out in time to dry everything out.  See the next blog for the Oakely Rodeo adventure.

When the rain let up Roger took all
the grandkids on four wheeler rides - why else would they come?  They
then headed up to the loft to set up
their "sleepover" space.

The next morning Roger hooked up
the trailer to transport the canoe and our two kayaks for a trip to Smith-Moore-house reservoir.  This small man made lake is only about seven miles up the canyon from our cabin.  It's been years since we have been there and the beauty still amazes me.

 The grandkids quickly got their
space staked out in the canoe and
grandpa set off.

 That's Allison and Daniel in the
kayaks.  Years ago, Roger and they
took lessons, and so the kayaks were taken out of storage (the cabin basement) and dusted off for a trip to the lake.  Allison and Daniel quickly dusted off their skills and off they went.

 Ethan, Ana, and even Ingrid soon
tired of being paddled around in the canoe and wanted to try their hand at the kayaks.  With a bit of instruction and warnings to hug the shore, they were off as well.  They did amazingly well though Ingrid (age five) did drift out a bit, requiring her Dad to swim to the rescue.

 Above is Daniel and Ethan and
to the left is Ana. 

 Rob, Allison's husband, was our only mishap of the day.  Luckily he
remembered Allison's last instruction to him as he set out.  "If you start to roll under, remember to
pull the cord that releases the "skirt"  from the kayak."  When he went under, he pulled the cord and was able to pull his legs out and up.  No casualties today!!

Here is proof that I was out on the

lake as well.  No, this photo was not photoshopped!!!!

Next posting - The Oakley Rodeo.