independence day - seaside style

Our first full day on the coast was the 4th. Seaside has a town parade in which they bring out the 'big guns'. We all lined up along the sidewalk and claimed our spot. Initially, it looked as though it would rain on our little parade, but it died down quickly. It did start with an actual jet flying overhead and then the real highlights came along:

• bikes decorated with streamers in all the appropriate colors
• krispy kreme truck
• politician shaking hands and kissin' babies
• a strange pirate handing out plastic necklaces
• lotsa candy
• every emergency vehicle available - each sounding their horn/sirens simultaneously
  

It was chilly for these Arizonans. I have much to learn about the art of layering. Here, it's either hot or hotter, which makes getting dressed easy - flip flops and shorts even at night.

The crowd around us took a liking to Gabriel, who of course had been showing off and entertaining before the parade. Several of them kept bringing him their candy, and we ended up with quite a stash at the end.

Afterwards, we spent some time at the beach. The beach has mountains surrounding the area they were covered with clouds. It is gorgeous. Fine sand, hills and grass. I've never been to any beaches on the West Coast other than Southern CA and it's a completely different experience. No sunbathing for me, or anyone really (too cold), I never even put a toe in the water. The kids would brave it for a while and come back to us cold and shivering, but still wanting to dig, play and explore.

We took naps in order to feel refreshed for the 10:00 pm fireworks and headed back to the beach. We dug a pit in the sand, built a fire, dressed in warm clothes, drank hot chocolate and waited for sunset (at 9:05 pm). I've never experienced any kind of fireworks show like the Seaside fireworks. People were setting off fireworks all up and down the beach for at least 90 minutes before the official show started. The main show lasted a good hour and we wondered if it would ever stop. Gabriel would point and say 'wow' every time he saw the fireworks. At one point there were so many at once he was saying 'wowwowwowwowwow'. Taylor said it was the best 4th of July he's ever had. I had to agree.

Amber and I were reminiscing about last year's 4th of July and comparing the two - we were sitting outside on a blanket to keep the hot sidewalk from burning our behinds, waiting around for a disappointing fireworks show. Boring. Hot.

I had no idea. Now I just can't go back.