Happy Fourth of July!

There are certain holidays that I love to stay at home

(like Thanksgiving).

Then, there are are those holidays that

I love getting out into the community with my family.

Fourth of July is a great day for going out on the town

in Santa Barbara.

Today, my hubby, kids, and I went down to

State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

We go each year to watch the city's parade.

It was a beautiful day (the weather was great)

and it was so perfect for watching the various groups.

I especially enjoyed seeing a true hero

from the DDay landing in WWII.

Each year, one of the highlights of the

Fourth of July parade is the firing

of the antique muskets.

It's LOUD and very exciting!

There were quite a few other great, fun groups to see.

And, in Santa Barbara one can ALWAYS count on

seeing some "colorful" characters!

(I suggested that my husband get a similar outfit

for future Fourth of July parades,

but he wasn't so hip to the idea.  Ha!  Ha!)

It was a great day to be a Santa Barbara citizen

and a wonderful day to be an American.

Also, it was a fantastic day to be a wife & mom!