Independence Day!!!

We congregated in our garage/driveway again this year for our annual 4th of July Block Party. We fried the fish that my Dad had brought down, one neighbor smoked a couple meatloafs and some brisket, another neighbor BBQ'd some ribs, and yet another brought hotdogs for the kids. Everyone else filled in with side dishes, fruits, veggies, and desserts - and then we feasted! After we were all stuffed, the kids hit the waterslide again while we had the egg toss and then got started with fireworks. Some guys from another cul-de-sac were flying their big remote control airplanes overhead and came over and challenged us to shoot them down! The guys had a blast shooting at the planes with roman candles and saturn missles, but they went unharmed! :) The only damage from the whole night occurred after we cleaned up the street. Apparently, some of the fireworks were still smoldering and ended up catching fire in a neighbor's garbage cart several hours later! The guys were able to put it out with a garden hose, but not before it melted the cart beyond repair. It was a hilarious ending to a great night of celebrating our great nation's independence!!

Chris W., Mitch, and Paul fry fish and hushpuppies in a turkey fryer
Breckyn, Ava, and Kellyn show off their patriotic tattoos

Mitch, Paul, Chris P., Dana, and Kevin, with Aden and Andrew in front

lining up for the egg toss

so glad Christal was here!!

Christal and Mitch humor me and pose for a quick pic

Breckyn with her flag pinwheel

Christal and Triston

a serious Mitch prepares to take down the airplanes with his very own IED - a saturn missile glued to a 2x4!

the planes, the planes!

the guys take aim from the street

Brian and Debra's garbage cart after it melted!