Happy 4th of July!!! And what a busy 4th it has been so far! Bailey was in the parade with her softball team (Tournament Champs - Go Gators!), driven by her Dad (who rocks);

Lauren had her first memorable 4th of July parade (fireworks to come this evening - stay tuned); Bailey attended her first carnival/street dance without parental supervision - eek!; and it was hotter than Haiti outside for all of the above!Lauren quickly learned how to wave and stick your hand out for candy, but she wasn't very good at scrambling to retrieve it. Luckily we were near some really good kids who shared with her. She also was anxious to eat each piece of candy she got...none of this putting it in the bag business.

There was definitely evidence of a presidential election next year, as MANY of the candidates were represented in today's parade.

Obama was IN Des Moines, but not in the parade, but Joe Biden actually showed up and walked - sweat equity (literally) in his campaign!

All in all it was a GREAT day, despite the heat (why, WHY would I do another 3rd trimester in the dead of summer?!@# ugh.). Lauren was tired and disappointed when the parade ended, and here's the proof: