Usually we need shorts and a t-shirt for the 4th of July but this year we dug out our jackets to combat the high 60s we woke up to that morning in Ohio. Our American celebration started at a local small town parade in Bellville, Ohio.

We waved at the local childrenas they marched, danced, and twirled down Main Street. The older ones in our group enjoyed the tractors and classic cars that trailed toward the end.

 

Once the kids had their pockets stuffed sufficiently with candy we headed back to the farm to prepare for our celebratory feast.

Chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, lobster tail. In classic American fashion, we indulged on much food that was spread out on the wagon Grandpa had made prior to July 4th.

Watermelon for dessert!

 

After lunch Danny and Joe assisted the boys in flying kites without getting them in the trees. The kids were delighted when their kites caught a gust of wind and ascended.

Alas many kites ended up in the trees but all were retrieved so the fun could continue. After a couple of hours of kite flying, we had a quick baseball game before loading up for a wagon ride.

We traveled the 2 miles around the soybean field to Aunt Linda and Uncle Bill’s house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At dusk Danny, Joe, and Clark set off fireworks while their audience ate ice cream sandwiches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cows wanted some attention before the sunset. Happy Birthday, America!!