This morning we got up probably a little earlier than Jeff would have liked to go to the Freedom Festival parade. Luckily for us, we live only a block away from the parade route. There wasn't any grass left to sit on, so we stood, but it was a very enjoyable morning.
I love parades. To me, few things say "America" quite like a big parade. Listening to marching bands and standing to honor the flag and the service men and women. Horses and floats and people throwing candy. Old cars and people handing out free pancakes and hot dogs. It's like some of the best things America has to offer, all rolled into one big event.
My favorite part was how supportive all of the spectators were. I almost cried as the spectators wildly applauded a group of American Indians, dressed in traditional costume, walked by. Most of the people watching were white, but despite all the history between the two peoples, everyone recognized that we're all Americans. I was touched by how supportive everyone was, regardless of what happened between their ancestors.
I also loved hearing "Proud to Be An American," which played as one of the floats passed. Standing there with so many of my fellow Americans and realizing that we were celebrating the freedom to simply watch a parade gave me chills. I love that song. The lyrics are so inspiring and really hit home, especially on Independence Day.
Oh, and my little brother was in the parade! He's on drum line for the best high school marching band in the state, which basically makes him incredibly cool. Plus he plays snare drum, which makes him double incredibly cool. He did awesome! We cheered for him as he passed by, because every kid in a marching band needs a couple crazy, family-member fans shouting his name at him as he passes. Even though you can't really hear it over the drums. lol.
Last night Breena and I made maxi skirts. She'd never heard of them before, but I think I converted her. ;) They're amazing. Here's my Independence Day get-up complete with my maxi skirt made last night. I made it using Elle Apparel's tutorial.
Here's my favorite country song for Independence Day. The music video is only okay, but I love, love the lyrics. The past couple years they've played it at the rodeo my family always goes to around the Fourth of July. Rodeos are so American too, which is why I love going once a year. :)
Enjoy! God bless America!
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