I’m not a huge fan of the summer heat, but I do love how much our little towns come alive every July. Rodeos, street fairs, parades, festivals, lake days, there’s always something happening.
This last weekend, we headed to Hecla for a little celebration! Since the girls are getting older, it feels important to get them out to experience new things, so we decided to hit up the Hecla parade on Saturday morning. It was a little overcast and not too hot for me. Perfect weather in my opinion. Parades in ninety degree heat are just no fun for anyone.
We met up with my grandma and found a spot by the church. The girls did great… for the most part. Before the parade started, they handed out little flags, and Autumn quickly discovered that if you move the flag, the flag moves with you. Revolutionary stuff! Off she went, straight through two big groups of people and down the road. Thankfully, Grandma was nearby to keep an eye on Violet while I did my best pigeon-run sprint after toddler number two. Once she got that adventure out of her system, we were back in business.
The parade was a great size this year! There were lots of decorated floats and classic cars rolling through. My favorite had to be the Shriners on their scooters, though. Both my dad and grandpa were part of the Shrine, so it’s always been fun watching them growing up, and now getting to share that with the girls.
Violet was fully committed to candy rescue duty, while Autumn would carefully select the perfect piece and sit down to enjoy it one at a time. It’s so fun watching their different personalities come out more and more.
After collecting two full bags of candy, we were all more than ready for lunch and a nap.
For the Fourth of July, we’re planning to check out the Lake City parade for the first time before heading up to Clear Lake to relax with my aunt Brenda. Funny enough, my family has had a cabin on Clear for years, and I’ve somehow never made it to the Lake City parade, so I’m excited. And I suppose the girls are finally old enough now for sparklers and those little colored smoke bombs for fireworks this year.
So, I’m excited for everything July has to bring. Not just for my husband and me to get out and enjoy these town celebrations, but for the girls to experience all the fun that comes with summer. I remember that freedom as a kid. Finding that group of friends to runoff with at the street dances and play carnival games while our parents got much needed adult time with their friends. Watching your kids grow up and get excited over things you once used to be probably is one of the best feelings in the world as a mom.
