Independence Day in Boise

The kids were so excited we were going to be in Boise for the Independence Day this year.  We had been out of town for at least the last two years.  All they could talk about was going downtown to see the parade.  We got there a little late, but still managed to find a shady spot to wait for the parade to start.

There was some boredom while we waited.  We also had enough time to read two chapters from Elijah of Buxton.  If you're reading this, you should read that book!

Finally, the parade began!  And it was not everything the kids remembered.  It seemed a lot longer, with less interesting floats, and there was hardly any candy.  They each managed to get about three pieces during the entire parade.

Finally, though, the best part came.  The fire trucks!  The fire trucks follow a simple rule.  If you squirt them with water they will squirt you back.  Alas, we did not bring water guns.  We did have water bottles, though.

 Here is Sam all poised to throw water on the firefighters.

 Here are the firefighters retaliating.

Here is Sam crying in deep, soaked despair.  The big kids loved it.  Grace had hidden herself away so she would not get sprayed.

We went to Winco and got popsicles to make up for the lack of candy goodness at the parade.

We also did fireworks in our alley, instead of going to the big display down the hill. Ethan even bought himself a few fireworks was thrilled to light them off.  Michael bought some fancy plastic goggle things which enhance your firework watching experience, which I think was the highlight of the holiday for his dad.  There are no pictures, but it was lovely.