The first day of July 4th weekend...

Every year we have a special celebration in our town on July 4th. Hot air balloon pilots from all over come and the town holds a festival. Our children, come when they can because there is something for everyone to do, a parade, an ice cream fest, a field filled with concessions to watch the balloons glow in the evening, fireworks, etc....a little piece of Americana. This year Tim, Joni and Cooper are coming early to run in a 5k first thing. My cousin from Wisconsin is also coming with his family after picking up their daughter who has just completed basic training in South Carolina. Seeing Deidre, ("Dee-Dee") in her uniform will be a special celebration of Independance Day!

Every year I write with chalk on the driveway....
Tonight as we were eating dinner, we heard a hissing above our deck...it was a sky filled with balloons...starting their first race.

The sky was bright blue and the balloons showed up so well....

The weather was just perfect too....warm without being hot, had a slight breeze...just the kind of weather that you wish all summer was filled with!

I counted 7 overhead at one time...what a joy!!

Each one is unique....you hear it's hiss, then quiet. Sometimes you can hear them talk. Sometimes, we yell "hello!" and they poke their heads over and wave hello back...fun!

The last one to go over...

Then back to dinner...Larry hates to have his picture taken, but this one with Scoobie sitting under his chair was just too funny!

Cheers!! ...to a happy and safe Fouth of July!!!!