Just a couple days after getting to Aitkin, we celebrated the 4th of July. I’ve always enjoyed celebrating the 4th in small town style. We spent the morning driving to Pequot Lakes to watch the parade, which felt odd since my parents wouldn’t be there to watch it with us. They were in Park Rapids celebrating with my aunt and her family.
Miss Ella was ready and waiting for the parade.
Ella had a great view from Daddy’s shoulders.
My last year or two of high school in Pequot, I played the tuba. It was basically because I had gotten tired of all the flutes in the band and wanted something completely different. I’m guessing one of those big white tubas was one of the same that I played 10 years ago!
Riding in style.
Remember these? I used to love Pop Rocks! After the parade, as we headed back to Aitkin for the fireworks, Pete picked these up for us. It was like being back in elementary school! Ella loved them too, but it’s hard to snap a pic of them popping in action. You’ll just have to take my word for it. She thought they were great!
Before heading to the ball fields for the fireworks, we stopped at one of the only places still open at 6:15 on the 4th of July. I’m sure this place has a name, but I only remember a big RESTAURANT sign outside. It’s one of those places that basically consists of all comfort foods – hamburgers, fried chicken, mac & cheese, corn dogs, and big plates of fries. Yum yum yum.
Miss Ella enjoyed her corn dog. Seemed appropriate for the 4th.
We eventually made it to the ball fields where kids were playing pick-up games while their parents sat on big blankets talking to other parents. Ella could have watched the games all night.
I was eventually able to lure her away from the fields with the promise of pie. She helped me choose a big piece of strawberry rhubarb with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Once the mosquitoes came out, I settled Ella in the Burley. It has a nice screen over the top. Wish I could have crawled in there with her.
We parted ways with Pete once we got to the fields to watch the fireworks. He had been recruited for some very important work. What could it have been? I’ll only say that it had nothing to do with medicine. Watch for a follow-up post to find out what he was up to. It still makes me laugh.
