(Not a) Hot Time in the City

It was a most spectacular 4th of July here in St. Charles. The weather was amazing!! Most of the weekend it was in the 80's, with nice relaxing cool evenings. We had quite a traditional 4th this year - with almost all the trimnings. Because of the great weather, we made a last minute decision to take in the St. Charles 4th of July parade. It had quite a small town feel to the it, right down to EVEYRONE throwing out candy. The kids all had a great time. After a rest in the afternoon, Grandpa Bauer, Grandma Dana and Grandpa Ken came for a picnic supper (on the deck of course!).

In the evening, after everyone else went to bed, Katherine and John stole out for a real treat - an evening at the St. Charles Riverfest! Katherine had seen the carnival rides set up a few days earlier when they came past John's office, and had been talking about riding them. So, we went down to ride a few rides (Katherine's favorite was the 'Dizzy Dragon'), and then we took in a fantastic riverfront fireworks show. The nite before the 4th, Katherine came outside to watch her first neighboorhoos fireworks, and got to do her first sparklers. In response to the love of pyrotechnics that was devloping, John stopped by one of the billion fireworks stands in St. Charles County and bought a few fireworks and a bunch of sparklers.

On the 5th, after dark, Grandpa Bauer came over and helped Katherine with more sparklers, and after some apprehension, even Elizabeth decided she wanted to be part of the fun. The girls are already talking about fireworks and sparklers next year - much to Julie's apprehension and John's excitement!!!