So, it’s Throw Back Thursday today, and my publisher suggested showing some 4th of July photos. As I looked through the pictures, I realized that my family is privileged to live in a small town that celebrates the 4th of July in an amazing way. My kids have had the opportunity to be in floats in the 4th of July parade. We’ve watch fireworks fall from the sky into the ocean, seeming to fall on top of us. We’ve watched beach volleyball tournaments in the afternoon. We’ve had picnics at the beach. When we go to the parade, we see everyone we know. Last year, my sister came down to visit for the 4th. She was amazed that we did know everyone–people on the sidewalk waiting for the parade to start, people throwing out candy from the floats, people riding in floats! It is also a parade for the whole community, everyone and their dog–literally! So, instead of waxing eloquent about our community, I’ll share photos.

Waiting for the parade to start.

My son in the Cape Blanco Soccer Club float, 2013.

My daughter in the Rotary float. She was an exchange student in 2013-14 with Rotary.