let's party, america!

It's almost America's birthday. In Wisconsin, that means there are several celebrations leading up to the big party. This morning we attended the July 4th parade in Thiensville (a little town just outside of Milwaukee). There are fireworks in Thiensville tonight, which we're skipping, and then more fireworks on July 3rd, courtesy of the big city Milwaukee. On July 4th there's at least one other parade we're attending and fireworks (again) in the neighborhoods/subdivisions surrounding Milwaukee that night. In Catcher's four years, I don't think he will have attended as many July 4th celebratory events as we're undertaking this year. Let's get this party started.

Waiting for the parade to begin...I'm not sure why Catcher is frowning. This must have been before he found out that most of the parade consists of churches and odd civic groups throwing candy into the crowd. He's wearing a sweater because it was freezing today. In Catcher's words, "It's like winter here." Winter in Texas = summer in Wisconsin. I should have packed more layers.

Tillie doesn't know what's going on, but there must be some reason crowds have gathered with collapsible chairs, 2-liters of cokes and Doritos on their neighbors' front lawns.

Catcher heard about the candy. Bag in hand; ready to pounce; those flashing police lights must mean the parade is about to start.

Scout was excited about the candy (duh!) but also surprisingly excited about the "float" going by with a keyboard and amp backing up a tone-deaf lady singing "Man in the Mirror."

She liked the music, but Scout did not like the fire trucks driving by honking their horns right in front of us (it was pretty loud...and slightly annoying).

Here's Catcher keeping an eye out for that candy, and...

jumping into the street following the lead of the local kids, and...

success! (Oh wait. I hate peppermints.)

Tillie enjoyed waving her flag in the spirit of patriotism. She also enjoyed listening to "Man in the Mirror" and "I'm Proud to be an American."

After several miscues, Scout finally figured out the best way to hold her bag to ensure the most efficient candy collection.

In truth the bag looks much fuller than it was. After sorting through all the Tootsie rolls and propaganda in the form of fliers, wristbands and magnets, there wasn't much left.

And now for the highlights from the 2013 Thiensville July 4th, which took place on June 29th, Parade:

I don't remember what they played, but these guys were pretty cool.

This is a freaky clown that Scout wouldn't allow to give her candy. She told me after he walked away that she doesn't like clowns. Smart girl.

Your guess is as good as mine on this one.

And finally, the piece de resistance (pronounce that in a French way in your head). Once again I'm a bit confused. I'm not sure what belly dancers have to do with July 4th, but I admire the patriotic color choices for their outfits along with their willingness to show belly on such a chilly morning. They really love America.