Here, it seems as if Clara is contemplating the true meaning of our freedom. We began our 4th early this morning in Alameda with a parade. It was great fun. Somehow, going to Alameda is like going back in time. It seems so old fashioned; not in a run down kind of way, but in a safe, small home-town way. There were old WW2 vets there. It was hard not to admire them, everyone thanked them. They looked proud to be there, and they should have been. I think WW2 was the last war this country was all behind. Things sure have changed....
Even with all of the fire trucks and bands playing, Clara slept through the whole thing in her sling! It reminded me of Mr. Holland's Opus....but Clara can hear...so not really...
This was the anti-war on Iraq peace dove... there was a lot of these type floats...
Code Pink... a ladies revolutionary group
Awesome old car
These little cars are pretty popular around here, especially in the city! There was a lot more to the parade, but really, who wants to see pictures of a bunch of floats and bands! You all know what a parade looks like!
After the parade we went home and ate lunch to give Clara a break and play with her. Then when it was time for her afternoon nap we drove to the Berkeley Marina for a 4th of July festival. The fog went away and the day got much prettier. There were tons of booths set up with food and stuff to buy; we bought Clara a beautiful dress made by a Hispanic woman.
Me and Clara in front of the house boats. Clara loves the sling! She was so happy because mommy let her ride in it most of the day, my shoulder hurts, but it is worth it!
This is some crazy huge playground made out of recycled junk! I mean, this is like a giant mass of wood planks from the sea or something, some big, thick tangled rope strung up like fishing nets, and sharp nails and metal just waiting to give your child a good time..... and a good case of lock jaw! I think they were giving out free Tetanus vaccinations at the door!
Well, I already told you that with my spending money I bought Clara a dress... well Daddy bought this GINORMOUS hot dog with his money!
It was the biggest hot dog I have ever seen! Oh, and this was a post lunch snack dog, like at 3:15 in the afternoon!
and yes... Robby ate it ALL, but not without making a huge mess! i guess it's a good thing mommy carries baby wipes in her bag now!
We had a really good day. Clara was exhausted when we got home and fell asleep shortly after her bath! Robby and I are probably going to watch fireworks on TV this fourth! Actually, with all of the fires going on, it might be the only fireworks to watch anyways.
