A Very Happy Independence Day Indeed

We had a houseful of guests for the annual 4th of July Picnic in our yard - we are conveniently situated with a great view of the municipal fireworks display - so the parsonage is a natural gathering spot...


...we went to the parade so we could grab a bunch of candy and get sugared up for the long afternoon of snacking and fireworking....


...this was just an interesting quilt on one of the 'princess' cars - with a horse in the middle of a star quilt...


...then we set off all the little ground fireworks


...one of the favorites was this little 'Bird in a Cage'...


and made the annual bonfire with the remains - this is actually quite exciting as there are always residual sparks and such in said remains...


...and I fooled with my camera settings trying to get the perfect 'fireworks' picture - of course I didn't get it and finally gave up as it makes it impossible to enjoy 'watching' the fireworks...