Happy 4th!

Today is the 4th of July. The city of Centerville always celebrates with a big Americana Festival. There's a big parade, but we skipped it, for no better reason than we are lazy. The parade route is down on Main Street. The cool, post-parade festivities happen further north. If it were just Ashley and me, no problem. But we wanted the little Dude to have all his energy because going in, we knew there were an inordinate amount of Bouncy toys that would be available for his enjoyment. These opened at 1100. We were there at 1055. No lines. Caching.

First up was the big, big slide. Mommy had to go up with Bode.

He rode this three or four times and loved it.

After the slide was the obstacle course. He wasn't setting any records, but he did a lot better than he did last year (got halfway through and cried, wanting to get out).

There was also the requisite trampoline house.

And also some others with jumps and walls to climb upon

There was also a smaller slide. Not as fast, but since it was there, he had to ride it.

He also got to ride a pony, a fine steed named Cupcake.

There was also a petting zoo. This wasn't your ordinary petting zoo. There were camels, and big ones at that.

The best part had to have been the food--sandwiches, chips, and a cookie. Here he is wondering why I keep annoying him and taking pictures.

And here he is using his non-verbal communication skills.

The little guy was exhausted. In his parlance, he "played too hard." This final shot is of him sleeping on the couch.

Happy 4th to all.