Since we've been married, for the years we've been in the USA for Independence Day, we have been up at Loon Lake in Washington, on family vacation with the Hilles. Our day consisted of swimming in the lake (for those brave enough to get in the cold water - obviously not me, I'm a wuss), watching a boat parade from the dock, s'mores in the evening, and fireworks over the lake.
However, the 4th of July for me always brings back great memories of my childhood. It meant a carnival, a street dance, walking around Lion's Park seeing friends, concerts in the park, a big parade, sparklers, fireworks, and of course the water balloon fight.
That's right, a water balloon fight.
Some of my most favoritist 4th of July memories took place on the morning of the 4th. I played softball for many years growing up, and the season always culminated with all of the teams riding on their decorated trucks in the parade.
My dad was always my coach. So the morning of the 4th, he would go get us donuts, and the rest of the team would gather at our house to finish getting the truck ready and to fill up our water balloons.
When we were well-armed, we would join up with the rest of the teams at the beginning of the parade and hold our water balloon fight, soaking other teams' trucks and coaches before the parade even began.
Urbandale does the 4th of July really well. There are lots of activities for kids and adults and teens and families. And it's even more fun this year so far. Adele loved the carnival - "I'm riding a giraffe!" - on the carousel. "I'm driving a car!" on the little kid car ride. "That was SO much fun!" - after going down the big slide. And the parade this morning? We have enough candy to last until next year.But for me, the water balloon fight was the best.
I'm attempting to plan seeds in my family members' minds that as the kids get older, we should implement our own water balloon fight on the 4th of July.
It might take a few years for everyone to be on board. :)
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