July 4th Celebrations

Well, another Independence Day Celebration for Katie and Ella and, at their request, another year wearing the SAME blue/red dresses. This is the 3rd year in a row they have worn these dresses.

Katie July 2006
Ella July 2006

Ella (blue) and Katie (red) July 2007

Katie (red) and Ella (blue) July 2008

As Aunt Bonnie pointed out, these particular dresses definitely passed the cost/benefit test! In fact, I'm pretty sure we'll be able to get at least one more year out of them...

This year Kate and Ella had their favorite BIG cousin, Wesley, here for a visit. (As opposed to their favorite LITTLE cousin, Will.) Here's a snapshot of the kids hanging out before we all went our separate ways... we did the neighborhood parade and then went to the Air Force Base for fireworks and Aunt Shelley, Uncle Val Joe, and Wesley went to do the 'real deal' in downtown DC.

Aunt Shelley and Uncle Val Joe joined in for the photo op

The Gladden's head off to downtown for a day of sight-seeing and fireworks!
The Brigman clan head to the Lake Barcroft Independence Day Parade... the stroller is all decorated and ready to roll!
Lining up for the parade
One of the decorated wagon's, a Voting Booth.
The girl's hanging out waiting for the parade to begin.

The (almost) world famous Lake Barcroft Band! Notice the bass drum being pulled by the wagon.
Katie playing with Julia, a friend from the neighborhood.
Later in the day, we meet up with the Valenzuela's at Bolling AFB's Freedom Fest.
Finally! It's time for fireworks!
A not-so-good-picture of the view of the fireworks. We were just across the river from DC. You can sort of see the Washington Monument just to the right of the fireworks. Aunt Shelley, Uncle Val Joe, and Wesley were right in front of the Washington Monument -- they had a GREAT view (plus the noise and the crowds)!!