Isn’t it funny how our perspectives change on so many things as we get older? As a child I loved going to Iowa to visit my grandparents. Then I hit high school and was suddenly way too cool for my mom’s little hometown {why are teenage girls so difficult?!? Lord help me some day!!!} Now, here I am again as an adult and a mother, and I love that place as much as I did as a kid.
Clearfield holds a special place in my heart…especially during the 4th of July 🙂 It’s orange-slice cookies, 3-legged races, parade candy, carnival rides, fireworks, tractor pulls…and best of all: family.
Here’s a (not-so) little look into our Iowa independence Day…
On Wednesday night we arrived at my Aunt & Uncle’s farm, where Arden made herself right at home…
My cousin and his wife brought their camper out to the farm for us to stay in, and it was the perfect setup…just ask this girl 🙂
There’s probably only one thing I don’t like about Clearfield: the flies. There’s a chicken farm in town that apparently attracts a lot of them, which means you better have a flyswatter handy at all times. Well, one morning when I got Arden out of the pack-n-play, the first thing she said to me was, “ladybugs on my face!!!” I busted out laughing because I immediately knew she wasn’t talking about any cute little ladybugs–she meant flies!! That’s pretty much what we called them for the rest of the trip, so I’m sure she’s even more confused now!
Before all of the 4th festivities began, we had a lot of fun on the farm. We went for a ranger ride to see the cows, pet a calf, and even held some sweet little kittens.
Thursday night we headed to my great-uncle Jim’s for pizza–and hit up the park first.
This picture is probably one of my favorites EVER! I love that it’s Norah’s hand holding Arden’s little finger too 😉 These three certainly do love each other!!
Then it was back to Jim & Eleanor’s for pizza…and climbing on Papa…
We finished the night off with fireworks back at the farm.
The 4th started off with a bang: cinnamon rolls and a pajama bounce house 🙂
Then we headed back into town for a family reunion lunch. Our group is made up of folks from Iowa, Kansas, Alabama, Wyoming, Colorado, etc. and it’s always so great to see everyone…especially the little ones who change so much in a year!
Next it was off to the city park for the kids’ games. Arden ran in the 3 & under race, which was hilarious and adorable…but the best part was Chris’ face as she neared the “finish line”. Proud dad moment 😉
After her race, this little star got to kick back and cheer on her cousins for the rest of the events…
I only wish I had pictures to share of the greased pig contest (YES, it’s a real thing!) but unfortunately that one fell during Arden’s nap. She needs to start practicing for next year though, so maybe we’ll soap Hazel up and let her loose in the backyard 😉 She is our little pig!
Look who woke up from her nap feeling refreshed…and quite patriotic!
Back into town we went to get ready for the parade…and take a lot of pictures 🙂
And this is what happens when a toddler drinks an entire glass of lemonade and then sits on your lap for 5 minutes. Chris had to go back and get some new pants, but miraculously we were able to save the romper. Sneaky move, Arden!!! 😉
The carnival kicked off after the parade and the real fun began!
By the way, do you know how hard it is to explain to a not-quite-two-year-old that you have to go alllllll the way to the END of the line if you want to ride a ride again?!? Oh my, there were some ugly moments…but these are the ones I will chose to remember instead 🙂
Dancing in the street to the live band 🙂
Finally, we finished off the 4th watching the town fireworks from out at the farm. You may not be able to tell from the picture, but Arden was just in heaven…she loves being with her cousins and getting to do what all the big kids do!
When it comes to celebrating the country that we love so much, this little town in Iowa has got it down.
I love this tradition and I can’t wait for my kids to love and appreciate it too 🙂
Until next year, Clearfield!!!!
That looks like sooo much fun! Glad you guys had a blast!
I love Arden's outfit and the cousin pictures and her and Chris on the slide!!! So beautiful! What a wonderful experience – so much joy and fun! I love this post! 🙂
Goodness, Clearfield certainly knows how to celebrate the 4th!
Reading and seeing this post has me so homesick! There's something so quaint, and maybe even a little magical, about small Midwestern towns.
So glad you had such a fabulous time in Iowa! 🙂
I spy the Becker's! And you look great momma!
That looks like one awesome 4th celebration! Arden is cute as can be in her red, white and blue and so funny Chris had to go change his pants but the romper was saved…love it:)
Love your Iowa 4th of July posts!!!!! Great pictures, all the cousin ones, the race, the slides! So cute!
Awwww! These are fabulous photos capturing priceless memories! Love everything about this! Glad you had a great holiday weekend!
I just LOVE all your family pictures, makes me wish we were closer to home!!
Looks like so much fun! Love her little romper too! Thank goodness dad took the brunt of the accident 🙂
What an amazing, and all-American way to spend the 4th of July!
This looks amazing, so much fun!! We went to the waterpark today and waverly does not understand the art of waiting in line either! 😉
most all-american-perfect 4th of july EVER!
What a fun weekend! 🙂 I need that donut shirt in my closet right this second. HAHAHAHA
Small town fourths are the best! Surrounded by the whole family and good old fashioned fun…yeah I love it! I wish it was more like that here. or near even. The pic of the three ladies up top is amazingly adorable…the finger holding, I die! I think that you should definitely grease up hazel for practice, and take many many pictures =)