Independence Day 2008

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays because it’s filled with fun traditions that I get to spend with family, friends and neighbors.

The parents

Some of the neighbors

Each year my next door neighbor, Alan Sharp, holds a block party for bringing in the holiday. We have the roads blocked as we hold a small ceremony and breakfast afterward. We start with Alan, a retired four-star Air Force General, welcoming everyone and letting everyone know who is new, who has moved and who has passed on in the neighborhood since last year. Then we have the Boy Scouts bring in the color guard and raising of the flag, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.

The General Alan Sharp *~ * Boy Scout Troop 227

A block party tradition is to bring in the holiday with the noise of a shot gun and this year’s honor went to Dave Jeffs and this year a new tradition began…our own neighborhood classic car show. Yeah, there were only two, but I’m sure there’ll be more next year. Hopefully, my dad will has his car up and running by then.

The rifleman Dave Jeffs *~* Classic Cars

Each year we have a member of the military (retire or active) give a small speech, this year was my next door neighbor to the East, Butch Neiderhauser. He gave a more non-traditional talk about the Confederacy and what a great job he did. I kind of forgot that they played a major role in this nation’s history, and to hear of their stories and battles gives new perspective on the Civil War.

Butch Neiderhauser *~* Getting out the grills

Then it’s onto breakfast. We line up the grills, have a feast for all and catching up with the neighbors. Then once we are all full, it’s the kids turn (young and old) to feed the leftovers to the fish in our pond.

Some of the neighborhood kidlets

After the clean up, the folks and I headed East 180 miles, to Green River, Wyoming to see some family. I love spending time with my extended family. My cousin Chris has the cutest little boy, Jackson. He’s our little entertainer, bringing smiles to all our faces. Jackson is so adventurous, that we took him to ride my uncle Kennard’s horse Partner. This horse is the most loveable creature! He just wants to nuzzle up to everyone and was great with Jackson. Partner’s only problem is that his nuzzling ends up with horse gubbers on your shirt, but it’s all for good lovin’ from him.

Jackson riding Partner

Around 7pm we still had to make another stop, 90 miles West in Evanston. My cousin Troy and his family came down from Wheatland, Wyoming to see his mom. It was the first time in 3 years that I saw them and the first time I got to meet my baby cousin Alley, who looks like a cherub and one of the girlest girls I know. I hope it’s not another 3 years before I see them again.
Evanston is known for all of its fireworks stores and each neighbor, store and the city had huge displays going off at the same time. That town had the sky was lit up like no other! The best I’ve seen in years.

This year was filled with fun and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Quirky Quote: Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln