4th of July Fort Collins Picnics on America's Birthday

The 4th started late which is good, because it lasted late, which was good too. Big breakfast followed by heading off to the playground and getting in line for opening of the Big City Park Pool. We were one of the first, got in early while still not crowded, got good spot for picnic lunch and had prime play time. Lydia with friend and Matt with Isaac, Luke, John Paul, and Julianna whose friend was somewhere close. Another family was also with us who had boys Isaac's age and younger so it was a crowd.

John Paul and Luke are not yet swimmers but will jump from about anywhere. There were two great water slides that the Grandaddy enjoyed too at this pool. Isaac and the Grandaddy were partners on the slide.

Grandmama was the coach for a prize winning entry in the desert contest at the evening picnic that we attended. That's right two picnics on one day.

Lydia worked very hard and did the work on the "Betsy Ross Flag Cake"and was so shocked when she won!

The picnic was Western USA BBQ and it was beef and it was good too. No hush puppies and the potato salad had no eggs in it but was still good too. Watermelon is watermelon and no surprise that was good.

Only about 100 + people were with us and it was a fun crowd.

Games for the children included a water balloon fight that had Luke really involved.

and Julianna barely missing her brother Isaac who zigged to the right just in time.

John Paul got serious about his samurai sword and you would have thought the world ended when one of his two burst. Sad things happen to balloons.

Including balloons in water balloon toss. Note Luke's closed eyes. Lydia actually caught hers this round and Julianna the next throw. The following throw though Lydia caught it right in the kisser.

And Isaac plays with the big kids for keeps. Don't know what it was but he took his role seriously.

And when the dancing started you can bet ole yours truly (me) and Julianna were on the dance floor at the get go.

Julianna really does enjoy dancing and does so with the same abandon as do most of the men she is related to.

Laura joined in for a few of the rounds and not long thereafter was seen with oldest offspring in the hammock resting.

Fireworks topped off the evening and all were in bed late. A grand day for celebrating America's Birthday.