Firetrucks, Fireworks, and Fun on the Fourth

Happy July! I can't believe it is already July 8th...time flies when you're having fun. We rang in the Fourth with a weekend of fun this year. We found out that not only does Will love the pool (moreso than any time before) but that he also loves fireworks! On July 3rd, we went to the Chesapeake City Park to listen to the Navy Fleet Band and watch the fireworks. Will was running around in the grass when the fireworks started and was initially a little scared. But as soon as he sat on the blanket with us, he was mesmerized. Eventually he started yelling "boom, boom" at every explosion. It was so cute. His awe over the fireworks furthers my thinking that he has no (or at least very little) fear!


On July 4th, we started our day with a parade at Lakeside Park in Chesapeake. Keith and I both liked it because it reminded us of our small town celebrations growing up in Nebraska. There were shriners, firetrucks both new and old (Will's favorites), and, oddly, a lot of local government reps. Representative from the 4th District who??? They definitely thought they were local royalty. We were a little disappointed that no one was throwing candy though. I guess that's what a recession parade looks like! :) Afterward we watched some motorized boat races and tried to feed some sad looking horses and goats in the petting zoo. Will also decided to share his ice cream with Anne. I'm glad this sharing idea is finally catching on.















In the evening we went to Danny and Amy Westphall's to cook out and swim in their pool. We put Will in his new floatation "learn to swim" suit and he loved it. He was much more comfortable in the water and was even brave enough to jump to Keith in the pool. He even got his first surfing lesson thanks to Danny. It was nice to see him taking to the water. We'll keep practicing his swimming skills this summer. A little fish has been born.