We hosted our annual 4th of July block party yesterday with 8 other families on our cul-de-sac. We invited six families from other streets, including my parents. We blocked off the street, let the music play from the DJ booth and let the kids run wild among our pool, the huge inflated water slide, the dunk tank and the endless snow cone machine.
It was a typically hot day and we were grateful for the pool. Dangerous though, if you just wanted to to stick your feet in....several people got pushed in just because they were in the vicinity, including my mom. She was a good sport.
There was a lot of dancing in the street this year. The kids love to do the Cha Cha Slide. A few grown ups do too. A house-to-house conga line grew as people joined in as they got picked up. A Limbo Line in the middle of the street awareded $20 to our 11 year old winner!
The horseshoe tournament this year was co-ed. I teamed up with Erich and I even got a ringer (once). All I can say is that this game is much harder than it looks and those shoes have a lot of bounce and can hurt if they come off the street and tumble. I was paranoid of taking out a kid. I missed the sand pit many times. Erich and I made it the the semi-final round and were eliminated. Erich's wife Wendy and her partner Dave won the whole tournament and split the prize of $100 and four Angels tickets.
We ended the day with the requisite fireworks and patrotic music. The kids stood to attention and we placed our hands over our hearts when the Star Spangled Banner was played. Wendy reminded us in the pool that we all have to remember why we celebrate this holiday and that the fight for freedom still wages on. She said, "We've got 20 year old guys over there dying while we sit in a pool drinking beer...." We can't be grateful enough for the sacrifices our military families make for this country. I do realize these sentiments may be best suited towards Veterans or Memorial Day, but I think it is important we stop and remember and give gratitude for the freedom to celebrate every day.
About 10:00 last night, as I was filling trash cans and clearing dishes, and watching my neighbors all pitch in to tear down EZ Ups and tables, the sound of Martina McBride was blasting down our street from huge speakers...."Let Freedom Ring....."
Hi Carrie! Thanks for the comments. Your neighborhood always sounds and looks like so much fun. When we moved into our new house that's what we were hoping for, but no such luck.
I'm from Redlands, but I got married at the Mission Inn. I live in Victorville now and work in Perris. I kinda thought you lived somewhere around here. Oh, and Scott got home from the Coast Guard. He just got out and I'm thankful to finally have him home!
I love reading your blog. I found yours on Two Peas. :o)
Posted by: Heather | July 05, 2007 at 05:55 PM
I'm so inviting myself to your house next year!
Posted by: katbliss | July 06, 2007 at 09:50 AM
this party always looks so fun! Our street is like this. Once all the guys get home, you know we are going to have a kickin' party....even if it is January!
Posted by: tommiea | July 06, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Can I live in your neighborhood? You inspire me to try something like this next year!
Posted by: Lynda | July 06, 2007 at 03:04 PM
That does look like fun! We had sort of on & off rain here. Not as great for the pool party, but we still got to see fireworks.
Posted by: Jill | July 10, 2007 at 12:16 PM