July 7 – “Parade”

 

 

The Fourth of July parade the other night was quite the adventure.  We parked at Nathan's house and walked the four or five blocks up to the seawall.  Actually most of us walked.  We used Mom's new wheelchair, so she got to ride.  We were almost an hour early, so we claimed our spot and watched the arrival of the thousands of other people.  We were closer to the actual site of the fireworks than we ever have been.  We could see them as they left the ground.  Not that that was such an exciting part of the show.  Just thought I'd mention it. 

 

The parade itself was mediocre at best.  I thought the highlight was the tank that drove by.  The kids of course got a kick out of anything that threw stuff.  And throw stuff they did.  It was like a Mardi Gras parade in that regard.  Beads were everywhere.  There was some candy as well, but beads.  Zakary learned quickly the art of calling for the precious artifacts.  He developed a dance move that should serve him well at any such opportunity afforded him at the First Baptist Church of San Antonio.  OK, so his opportunities may be limited, but whenever they arrive, he will be ready.  Cailyn was already a champ from her experience at prior Mardi Gras events.  Caleb's approach was to hang around the other two and hope he was faster than they were when the goodies flew.  They all got something to take home, so I think they were happy. 

 

We joined a group of fire fighters and their families to watch the fireworks.  One of the boys I baptized a while back gave me his chair to sit in.  That was a real blessing for the old man and his achy knees.  Thanks, Aidan.  It was fun to listen to Zakary's oohs and ahs as the big explosions happened.  After one particularly impressive blast, Zak commented on "how big that one was."  Caleb, not to be outdone, had his own take, "No, that one was a huge one."  Actually I don't know how to spell it the way he said it.  Maybe "hooooge" comes close.  Either way, he was impressed. 

 

The walk/ride back to Nathan's was uneventful, but the traffic was outrageous.  We stayed at the house for a while before attempting the trek back home.  Even then, there were some long lines to contend with.  I guess the evening went well.  The kids had fun.  We are still not completely sure that this wasn't Christi's first ever parade, but she seemed to have fun as well.

 

Psalms 9:1 says, "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders."

 

Father, thank you for the delight in the eyes of the children as they watch fireworks.  Give us that delight in all the works of your hands.  Amen.