The 4th of July in Paris

My oh my. I am tired! But it has been a good week. My brother-in-law and his wife found a great house, made an offer and it was accepted. It is a big 7-8 minutes away! Can't wait.

They just left and now it is time to pack. We are headed to my mom's house for Easter and a big get together with my 5 brothers and sisters. I love getting together with them all. It can get loud, and that is even without all the grandkids. But we don't get to do it that often. Our major holidays are Christmas and the 4th of July.

If you ever want an awesome Independence Day, visit Paris, Idaho. It is a town of about 500 people, and is probably declining. You'll start your day with a sunrise flag ceremony. Occasionally there are talks so grand and inspiring you cry. Occasionally they go something like this "I love America so much I don't know what to say. So I won't even try."

Then you can take in some good old hashbrowns, sausage and pancakes at the Chuckwagon Breakfast sponsored by the Lions Club.

At 10:30 or sooner, save yourself a seat at the patriotic program at the local Tabernacle built in the early 1800s by Mormon Pioneers. It starts at 11:00, the benches are terribly hard, and the air extremely hot. The singing is all right with the occasional great. But just try to not shed a tear as all the Armed Forces' songs are sung while anyone in the audience who has ever served in that respecive group is invited to stand during his or her song. It always ends with echoing Taps; no one died but you know.



When it finishes, wander out onto the lawn to watch the parade at 1:00. Bring a blanket, or save your spot during the flag raising by parking your car along the route. Just don't take me spot. You can even watch the parade twice! It comes down one side of the street, turns around and comes back again! Bring a bag for candy.



Now it is time to head down to the rodeo. You can see bull riding, barrell racing and the all-time favorite, mutton-busting. What is mutton busting you ask, why it is young kids trying to ride sheep. Last one on, wins. Or send in your toddlers to catch a chicken. Or your older kids to catch a greased pig. Can you think of anything more fun to watch?

Now you are tired. You've been up since 5:45 remember. So take a nap. You can come over to our house and help make homemade ice cream. (Raspberry is scrumptions, watermelon, not so good.)

After a good nap and a great BBQ, wait for the hot sun to sink below Paris Peak and get ready to watch some fireworks. But it gets better, you get to light your own! Make sure you don't make the mistake of driving to nearby Wyoming to pick up beautiful airborne fireworks, they are illegal. But you can always just watch the neighbors!



You made it through a fabulous 4th. Won't you do it again next year?!

Anyway, now I have 2 hours to pack up for 2 adults and 4 kids. I'm just praying that there are enough clean underwear somewhere in the house for everyone. If not, I'll just take dirty ones. It is my mom's after all and she loves doing laundry!