God Bless America

I headed out for a run to clear my head this morning and to try and work off SOME of the crazy amount of food that I have consumed over the last 3 days.  While running through town, I found myself reflecting on the last month and the many gifts this small town has already given to me and my family.  As I looked around, signs and banners read, "God Bless America" and "Thank you to all who have served, fought and died for our country."  Yes, we live in a country where I am free to put on my running shoes and go, where my daughter can get an education and my two sons can work side by side with their father, own their own business and make an honest living.  Yes, humbling isn't it...

So, back to what I really meant to write about which is my Fabulous Family Fourth of July.  My mom and dad made the very long trek from Dallas, TX, to spend this holiday with us.  We haven't seen them in 6 long months and I am so grateful that they came here to spend time with their grandkids and experience the small town, large family gatherings that I have grown accustomed too.

Now, y'all know a small town loves a parade and you better believe that we were all over the Vincennes Fourth of July parade.  Before we could hit the parade though, a feast was in order, and the Hinkle farm was the host (actually the Yochum family was but we were out at the Hinkle farm).  As we feasted, laughed, feasted some more, rested and played some pretty intense games of cornhole and dutch blitz, I found myself thinking about how truly wonderful it was that I was celebrating this holiday with my family.  My parents were here and so was Tony's family.  I was able to look around and see two families coming together as one.  I mean, isn't that what holidays are about?  That and the food right (are you detecting a theme here?!).

 FOOD

Mom's amazing salad

My wonderful nieces getting "their grub on."

We stuffed ourselves silly and had some pretty priceless moments that I would love to share with y'all below.   

Me, being attacked by bug, Tony...yeah I have no idea what he is about.

Somehow got mom on the Ranger to tour the farm.  She was alive and still speaking to Tony afterward so everything must have gone alright.

Harrison ate many, many, many rice krispy treats.  Thanks Uncle Jay!

Dad and Jerry, our fearless leaders and rocks in our families.

So love Tammy in her fancy, schmancy apron.  She is amazing for putting up with us not only once but twice over the holiday weekend.

NOW FOR THE PARADE

Somehow we all rallied for an evening of sweating, being eaten alive by bugs and pegged in the head with the candy (did you know that all parade participants throw candy at the spectators?).  Emily stuffed both Mac and Harrison's backpack leashes with candy.  Poor kids about fell over backwards from the weight of the candy.  Love how resourceful that kid is.  

We finished off the evening with having everyone over to our house for pizza and a little relaxation before heading out for the fireworks.  We were so blessed to be able to spend it together.

Mom and dad.  My mom is the best.  She brought so many fun Fourth of July decorations and accessories that it made everything extra fabulous.

It isn't a parade unless there is a monster truck carrying the pageant princess.

Had to include this because Hannah, my niece, designed this sign. 

Yep, had to make this big and large because Vincennes has a scooter club and they were in the parade.  If you have read my previous blogs, you will know just how much I love scooters/mopeds.  Tony suggested that I join them next month.  I think not...