In our little town the Fourth of July is a big deal, a VERY BIG DEAL! Everyone comes home to the cool mountains and our little hamlets' population swells! Every home is filled to capacity with visitors and the streets are difficult to navigate because of overcrowded parking spaces but everyone is excited and tolerant, after all it's THE FOURTH!
The morning starts off with a longstanding tradition, The Fireman's Pancake Breakfast at the Park. Our family has it's own not so longstanding tradition of a breakfast buffet at the "Designated" family spot at the parade route. Our Large extended family brings a wondrous array of food and drink and we join those hearty men who have been staking out our claim to a prime viewing spot since before five a.m.! (Not only do they arrive and set up chairs, tables and shade tarps, they have had vehicles, stakes and rope out for a week!) This year I brought Yogurt Parfaits with Homemade Granola.
Homemade Granola
8 C. Oats 1 1/2 C. Water 2 T. Flax Seeds
1 Box Bran Flakes 2 tsp. Salt 2 T. Wheat Germ
3 C. Coconut 1/2 C. Oil
2 C. Brown Sugar 2 tsp. Vanilla
Mix all the dry ingredients in a very large bowl. Mix together vanilla, water & oil and pour over the dry ingredients. Stir. Spread onto 2 cookie sheets with edges and bake at 250 for 2-2 1/2 hrs. stirring every once in a while. After removing from oven add nuts, craisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds etc. Store in an airtight container.
I Love A Parade!
The parade route is a colorful sea of red, white & blue. These human flags are a great salute to our country and I think there just might be some law about wearing anything but red, white or blue?!!
I can hardly wait for the parade!!!
Some of the best times are had before the parade even starts as family and friends walk up and down the street visiting and reminiscing.
The anticipation builds and then precisely at 10:00 a.m. the parade starts, lead out by the Sheriff's Department Color Guard and followed by the mounted participants.
The Pyro - Maniacs are passing by!
After the parade we head up to Grandma Homey's for a barbecue and fun and games with the family.
Sky Rockets in Flight - A Little 4th of July Delight
Thanks to the Brothers Edwards (Gary & Big John AKA The Pyro-Maniacs) we have some of the best fireworks in the state. Pretty darn good for a little podunk town. We can sit on our deck and see smiley faces, hearts and even stars. Can't beat that!
Smilin' down on a small town 4th!
The 4th through the eyes of a child
Gramma Luvlee
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Love your blog!!! I have pinned your homemade granola and am now a google follower! Found you A Pinch of Joy Busy Monday! Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate - family, friends, food, and fun! I love the images of your grandkids. You can certainly read the excitement of the day in their young faces. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. Hope you'll join the fun this week, too.
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
Thanks so much for sharing your celebration with Simple & Sweet Fridays! Love the granola recipe too!
ReplyDeleteJody
What a fun look at your 4th! I love the tatoo on the face, so cute! Thanks so much for sharing.
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