4th of July Festivities 2010

We decided to check out Benson's 4th of July festivities this year and ended up having a really great, fun-filled day. First we hit up the parade, and although it was extremely hot and the parade was extremely long, we really enjoyed it. It was actually Carson's first parade, and by the end of it his arm was tired from all the waving he did, but he had a bunch of candy to show for it. At one point during the parade, they had a big truck full of water, and they were splashing everyone. Jason took Carson and lifted him up right when the truck came by and they got drenched! It sure cooled him off though! Owen fell asleep halfway through the parade, even with all the honking, blaring music and heat. That Owen for you!

Next, we headed to the park for the water fight. We missed this last year, so we didn't really know what to expect. Now we know to expect to get soaked! I don't think there is anywhere in the park that is safe, which Owen and I quickly found out. When we got there, there were a bunch of fire trucks. One firetruck had its ladder extended all the way up over the park. Another two were positioned near where they water fight was going to be held. Two sides each try to push a barrel to the other side with water shooting from their hoses. But before this occurs, they all decide to drench the audience. Of course, Carson loved it and he and Jason were right in the middle of the action. He, along with all the other kids, splashed in the puddles in between sprays. Owen, on the other hand, wasn't too thrilled, as you can see from his picture. I thought we were far enough away, but we still got hit with waves of mists.

After headed home for an afternoon of napping and hanging out as a family, we headed back out to the park that evening with our friends, Dan and Autumn, to listen to some music and watch fireworks. Jason bought Carson a light-up sword, so I think he was more interested in that than the fireworks this year, and Owen fell asleep during the fireworks somehow. But it ended up being a beautiful night with a really great firework display to end our fun-filled day.

Carson in the car headed to the Benson parade.

Owen at the parade.

Me with my two boys waiting for the parade to start.

It finally started.

Carson waving at everyone for candy.

Carson and Jason

Carson picking up some candy

Waterfight in the park

Jason and Carson right in the middle of the action getting soaked

All wet!

The actual waterfight between firefighters; Owen and I kept our distance. =)

But we still got a little wet, and he was NOT happy, haha.

Carson with his beloved light-up sword