The 4th of July in Bend is the best. There is just so much to do. My wonderful friend Janet spent the day with us.
First we went to the annual Pet Parade in downtown. This is a true Bend
tradition.
I heard someone describe it as "kitschy" and yes it is! Kids dress up themselves, their bikes, wagons and animals (real or stuffed). I realized Jayden has never been in the parade...that is just not right. But Lola would be way too scared.
And here is the show stopper...
I love the goggles!
After the parade, we decided to check out the Des Chutes History Museum, free admission for the 4th.
Picture taken of the Old Mill District a long time ago.
After that it was time for lunch. We went to Longboard Louie's. And this is a picture of Jayden eating something green. And I think he liked it.
Later that afternoon was the We the People rally (Bend's tea party). I missed the one on tax day so I was excited to go to this one. I feel these rallies are so important and it's great to see people of different political parties all standing up for the same cause. Less government, less taxes, more freedom.
Next was the BBQ at Jake's. We met Janet's parents, Terry and Mary. And my Dad was making his rounds.
More friends joined us and we had a wonderful dinner while enjoying the perfect weather and listening to great music. It was the perfect evening.
Dewey, Nita, me, Terry, Mary, Janet.
And finally it was time to get our spot for fireworks. We went back to Jake's and found a spot in the parking lot. Before the fireworks started, we had fun playing w/ sparklers.
We tried writing our names while taking pictures. I think we did pretty good...can you see it?
"Carrie"
"Janet"
"Jayden"...not sure what happened to the J?!
"Lola"
And Jayden just preferred to scribble.
We had a great view of the fireworks on Pilot Butte. And I think this might be the first time in years that the Butte didn't catch on fire! It was a wonderful day and a beautiful night.
Happy Birthday USA!
The 4th of July in Bend is the best. There is just so much to do. My wonderful friend Janet spent the day with us. 
I heard someone describe it as "kitschy" and yes it is! Kids dress up themselves, their bikes, wagons and animals (real or stuffed). I realized Jayden has never been in the parade...that is just not right. But Lola would be way too scared.
And here is the show stopper...
I love the goggles!
After the parade, we decided to check out the Des Chutes History Museum, free admission for the 4th. 
Picture taken of the Old Mill District a long time ago.
After that it was time for lunch. We went to Longboard Louie's. And this is a picture of Jayden eating something green. And I think he liked it. 
Later that afternoon was the We the People rally (Bend's tea party). I missed the one on tax day so I was excited to go to this one. I feel these rallies are so important and it's great to see people of different political parties all standing up for the same cause. Less government, less taxes, more freedom.
Next was the BBQ at Jake's. We met Janet's parents, Terry and Mary. And my Dad was making his rounds. 
More friends joined us and we had a wonderful dinner while enjoying the perfect weather and listening to great music. It was the perfect evening. 
And finally it was time to get our spot for fireworks. We went back to Jake's and found a spot in the parking lot. Before the fireworks started, we had fun playing w/ sparklers. 
"Carrie"
"Janet"
"Jayden"...not sure what happened to the J?!
"Lola"
And Jayden just preferred to scribble. 
Happy Birthday USA!
