Mahaffey Moments: 4th of July

Fourth of July this year was so much fun, and a totally full day! We had Nana and Papa here with us this year and it made it so much more fun! We decided to take part this year in the Lexington Bike parade. It starts in the morning at the Lexington Library. We all went and the kids decorated their bikes (and stroller in Lese's case). Then the parade goes down Main street to the Stonewall Jackson church at the W&L campus. It's about 5 blocks. There were a TON of people there, and the parade was PACKED (which didn't sit well with Landon and Sydney as they were heard to say, "what's the point of having a BIKE parade if you can't even ride your bike?") so all they could do was sit on their bikes and basically walk them or coast. They couldn't really ride with any speed at all. But they had fun. Nana and Papa stood along the parade Route and Cheered the kids on as they rode past. We all then met at the end of the parade where the kids, for being participants, got a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and a drink. We then walked over the VMI parade grounds for more fun. Papa was super excited for the vintage car show. The kids asked him all kinds of questions about the classic cars. then we walked through the booths sections. But the highlight is ALWAYS the inflatables that the kids love. They have bounce houses, obstacle courses, and HUGE slides - all inflatable. The kids love that part.

All decorated and ready to go

Making some last minute preparations before the parade starts

After the Parade and VMI, we went home for some much need rest time, and then had a wonderful 4th of July BBQ at home for dinner. After dinner, we went back over to Lexington for the Fireworks. We watch the VMI fireworks show from a parking lot just up the street. It s a great view. But it also allows for some fun sparkler time and some yummy ice cream. After those are all done, and the sun has gone down, we settle in and enjoy the fireworks. It was so much fun to have Nana and Papa here with us this year.

This was Lese's first year she was able to do sparklers by herself with no help. She also is our little dare devil. So because she was so excited, I am pretty sure she came within a hair of setting herself on fire a few times. She's Crazy!