I really feel for this holiday that the Midwest is the best place to celebrate our Nation’s holiday.  It starts with one week before when turning into our neighborhood you see that some mysterious person has place a flag in front of every house in our division.  All of a sudden our Nation’s biggest symbol is happily flying in front of every driveway here and it is a beautiful sight.  Who are these mysterious people…dunno, could be a community group, could be flag fairies, but what I do know is that it sets the mood for patriotism.

The Newman's In All of Their Red, White and Blue Attire

This is the one holiday where I make the whole family dress in some type of red, white and blue combination.  I just love all of us being dressed for the occasion and as silly as this sounds, it makes the holiday feel more holiday-ish.

For the third year in a row we have gone into Lake Bluff, Il, which is this quaint little “Americana” town to watch and be in the 4th of July parade.  My father-in-law is the fire chief for the neighboring town Libertyville, and he lets Brook ride in the fire truck in the parade.  I’m not going to lie to you when I say I was “really” excited because this year, I got to ride with Brook in the fire truck too!

The "Americana" Look of the Parade

Brook and I in the Fire Truck In The Lake Bluff Parade

I am pretty sure I was way more excited to be in the parade then Brook was.  We rode in a 1947 fire truck, which is an original to the Libertyville Fire Department.  Brook and I waved to everyone and I encouraged her to shout, “Happy 4th of July,” to the crowd and they loved it…especially the older generation in the crowd.  It also was a beautiful route full of restored old homes or beautiful new semi-mansions.   People were having parties on their driveways and after the parade we all went to the park which was holding a festival.

Blake with Fire Chief Papa After the Parade

Blake was a little jealous that he didn’t go on the fire truck.  I told him not to worry, that he will be able to go next year and he’ll have loads of fun!

Brook with Her Great-Grandpa Rich Walking The "Balance Beams" Together

After the parade and festival we all went home for a well needed nap….and yes, I got both of my kids to nap at the same time which is what I consider my version of heaven now and days!  Then we had a barbecue followed of course by the firework show in downtown Libertyville.  All in all the 4th of July’s here are perfect and this one was no exception!

Blake and Mommy During Blake's First 4th of July Parade