We are so IN

Years from now when you all are sitting around and regaling your poor mother with all the stuff that you've gotten away with over the years, I'm going to be thrilled with the fact that I made friends with the cop on the island.  For now,  Raya is just a fantastic sprite who has incredible parents that she shares but later on in life I can see those law enforcement contacts coming in handy. 

Last year, Grace got to be the lucky kid who rode in the firetruck. Brian was kind enough to offer up the seat again and Grace, Todd and Ellery were going to go. Raya offered up the seat in the back of the cop car with her folks (we really, really need to remember to bring cool candy with us next year to throw out at the "crowds") so Eleanor and I went with Jen, Glenn and Raya in the Oh-so-cool Lead Vehicle for the parade. 

Yes, that had to be capitalized. It was that cool. 

The parade starts at the street up from the dock, passes the Canarios house, does a circle of Warner Ave and then comes across the front of the island to the fire house.  Lots of horns honking, water balloons, kids clapping- your typical small town parade.  I LOVED it.  Mock me if you must, but I had the best time. 

Right after the parade started, we pulled into Warner Ave. At the end of the street is a lovely older woman named Evelyn who had not made it out to the street yet.  When we pulled up and Glenn asked where she was, her family told him that she was just coming out. This was no easy feat. Ms. Evelyn and her walker were escorted out to the car, then put in the backseat ge e-e ntly and finally driven up the twenty yard long driveway where she was then escorted with her walker to the chair waiting for her.  

We waited.  Patiently.  Sure there were  a few tooting horns for fun trying to play "Shave and a haircut" but the whole parade stopped. And waited for Ms. Evelyn so that Raya could wish her a happy fourth of July on the loudspeaker. This is why I love Prudence.  

Your Dad was in charge of getting a pic of Grace in the firetruck again, so we'll see if he came through.  

The rest of the day was spent on lunch with the Lunds, naps and then dinner with the whole family. Pulled pork and lemon bars. Is there anything more American?   The afternoon rounded out with a moon bounce over at Eddie's house with Cousins Riley and Ella.  

I was really proud of you today!  Happy Fourth!