This is Olivia and Cassi just waiting to get in line.
In line, just waiting for it to start. We walked in the parade with Uncle Bryan, Aunt Darci, Tori, Tessa and Elle. For another year, we talked Grandma Nielsen into joining us.
After finishing popcicles (actually they are Pace's Dairy Ann Astro bars), it is time to head to the carnival booths. After all what is a 4th of July with out going to the "fish pond" and the "ring Toss".
The night is ended with a concert and fireworks in the Park. Centerville has had this tradtition for as long as I can remember.
After the fireworks, it is time to head back to Grandma's house and get out the sleeping bags. Uncle Kelly and Aunt Jennifer and their family were the only ones that slept over this year. After getting everyone in their sleeping bags and telling stories and making several trips to the bathroom, finally about midnight everyone finally went to sleep. Fortunately this year, Grandpa remembered to shut the sprinklers off, so we did not wake up to water.
At 6:00am, the alarm goes off and it is the mad dash to get everyone out the door to go back to the park to run the races. The first one is the 5K for all who wanted to brave it. Travis, Mason and me (mom) ran it this year. This was Mom and Mason's first time. It was fun to be with all those people. Mom didn't do to bad as she got 14th in her age bracket. When the 5K is done, then it is time for the younger kids to run. Olivia ran in the 1/2 mile race. She enjoyed it a lot more this year as 2 years ago when the gun sounded to start the race, she got knocked down and stepped on. The kids just ran over the top of her. She was pretty bruised up with a fat lip and swollen eye.
Next comes the pancake breakfast at the park. By ow we were all hungry and ready for food. Two pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns and orange juice. Not a bad deal for $3.00 a person.
At 9:00am the jets from Hill Air Force Base fly over which is always a high light. Then the parade begins. The day before, Grandpa goes down to main street and sits for hours holding a spot until it is officially time to put chairs out on the sidewalk to save places for the parade. It has become a huge deal and every year he has to go a little earlier to save a spot. He has been such a trooper to do it for so many years. As it has become a family tradition, most of the Nielsen's come to watch the parade and best of all collect all the salt water taffy that is thrown from the floats. The parade usually lasts about 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours. The floats are all local schools, businesses, church groups, and bands. It is a lot of fun!!
Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen, Scott and Michelle Nielsen (Mike's second son) and their 2 daughters, Trisha Tanner (Sherry's daughter) and in the back ground, Julie and her friend Levi
