I have to say, I am pretty impressed with Eatonville's 4th of July celebration. Having grown up in a town that goes all out for a whole week to celebrate the 4th, I think it is great that we have moved to a small town that whoops it up in a similar fashion, though they don't do it for a week.
Eatonville's celebrations begin the night of the 3rd at the middle school football field. Beginning at 5 p.m. they have live entertainment- bands, the local dance school girls, etc., along with lots of vendors selling yummy food such as roasted corn, hot dogs, kettle corn, ice cream, and cotton candy. The whole town seems to show up, along with loads of people from surrounding towns. Everyone brings their own blankets and chairs and claims their patch of grass on the field. After several hours of entertainment, the town finishes with a fireworks show. All this with Mt. Rainier as a pretty impressive backdrop. We only showed up for the first few hours and left before the fireworks. Mercy was ready for bed by eight, which is an hour past her normal bed time. Still, we had a good time soaking in the local fun.
The next day we headed back into town for the 4th of July parade. We showed up an hour early, and there were already people lined up and down main street. After walking around and checking out some of the booths set up along the streets, we camped out on a little patch of grass in front of the auto body shop. The parade was actually pretty long. It started at noon, and we left just after one, towards the end. They had lots of floats on display as well as classic cars, the high school marching band, people on horses, military stuff, and more. Mercy really enjoyed watching the horses prance by. Her favorite float was the Eatonville Dance Center float. I can't wait to enroll her in some dance classes one day!
We really enjoyed our fourth of July. Eatonville displayed a sense of community pride and truly came together to celebrate our independence. People passing on the flag lined streets were wishing each other a happy fourth of July. What a neat town! To all my friends and family back in Rupert- I missed you! Enjoy the photos below- I took our little digital camera...and some of the pics turned out a bit blurry. Oh well.
Enjoying the live music
Playing around
People were just starting to gather at the football field. This was a couple of hours before the real crowds showed up!
Getting ready for the parade
Munching on yummy kettle corn while we wait!
To signal the start of the parade, the town fire house set off it's alarm.
These guys looked like they were roasting in those old uniforms.
The high school marching band
Enjoying the parade with my girl!
The Daffodil Queen and princesses from the Daffodil festival last spring.
My little family!
Just wanted to show off our incredible view as we walked back to our car.
Can you see why Mercy would have so much fun with her Uncle Skip?
Having a good time!
Brothers- we realized this weekend that these two sound a lot alike.
Playing with Uncle Skip..again...
Mommo standing next to her original wedding dress. Isn't it beautiful?
Me and Skip's girlfriend, Stephanie. Such a sweet girl!
Teasing Uncle Skip
Me and my sweetheart
Mommo and Poppo....happy 50 year anniversay!
This picture cracks me up. They have the exact same expression on their faces!
Mercy and her Granny!
Playing with Skip...again...
Mercy, Stephanie, and Skip
Mercy and Stephanie
Mercy and Uncle Skip- I think her Uncle Skip likes her, don't you? 
