BOOM BOOM

So the 4th was a pretty good sucess. We had planned to go down to the Parker festivites around 4 enjoy a concert, play at the park, and walk around. Then we packed a picnic to enjoy for dinner and then hang out til the fireworks around 9:30. However, around 5 the rain commenced and didn't let up until around 8.. so this is what we did instead.

We still went down to Parker before the rain started.. Maile saw the horse statues and wanted a quick ride.

Then we wandered over to the park area, where Maile continued her brave attempts at sliding down the twirly slide.

Then Daddy took his turn and went down the bumpy slide with her as well.

Then the rain started, and we ran over to Baskin Robbins, and enjoyed ourselves a little ice cream. Maile and I shared the Mango Tango scoop, and Mikael had a Cappuccino Turtle Blast.. or something like that.

We were still waiting for the rain to let up so Maile started to get antsy (sugar rush) and so she began to explore.

It was getting a little colder, and still raining so we made our way back to the car and had a little fun waitin in there. Hoping that the rain would stop soon, and we could enjoy the rest of the day. You know the saying.. "don't like the weather in Colorado.. wait 10 minutes"

Well that didn't happen, it continued to rain so around 6 we headed home to enjoy our picnic dinner at our house and wait out the storm. Fortunately around 8 the storm finally let up, and the fireworks were a go. We headed back up to Parker and found a great little spot very close to the shoot off area. We had about 45 min to wait but we entertained ourselves and watched some other people.

This guy was twirling fire sticks, but it only lasted about 10 min before the coppers came and shut him down. It was pretty cool to watch though. Across the way was the stage too, where they had a band playing patriotic music, Maile and Mikael went over there and checked it out, but all Maile could talk about was a monkey when she came back. There wasn't any monkey but Mikael thinks she was associating those glow necklaces and bracelets people were wearing with Casa Bonita, where they in fact have a monkey and glow necklaces and braclets. Crazy but I think it's true. Over and over she kept asking where the monkey was.

Then the fireworks started... this was her expression: Priceless..

It was magical to watch her eyes get so big, and the amazement in her face. She loved them. Here are a few of the actual fireworks, we did have great seats, and the show was pretty good. I think watching Maile entertained me more and I missed most of it, but it was a great night.