Holiday lives up to the hype

Friday wasn't the 4th of July - still it was a 10 for weather and holiday celebrations. Des Moines had set that day for Yankee Doodle Pops. It was mid 70's and partly sunny. Paul finished up work early and we got afternoon errands and cleaning done.

Walking across the bridge

Woohoo! We were off. First stop - Buzzard Billy's, since we parked there and needed a bit more change for the meter. Then - chair placement at Governor's Plaza for the Pops was in order. Paul was carrying chairs and I had the backpack with jackets.

We decided to go to Locust Tap for a brew - and met a delightful older couple visiting from the Pueblo, Colorado area for a wedding. He was a font of knowledge regarding lower league baseball as he'd followed Pueblo's team when they played Des Moines's teams. They were truly enjoying their time in DSM.

I got a text from my former roomie Joan McFee Bentley who was just leaving work - she'd join us for the evening. Yay! Unbelievable that Joan had never been to Locust Tap, where nobody really needs to worry about who is using what bathroom because the doors don't really close on either one...Next we went to Lime. The crowd doesn't show up there until late, so we were pretty much alone with the bartender as we caught up on roomie stuff. Then we were off to the real entertainment.

Cute family having fun

I love people watching. There was an adorable family in front of us where cute boys entertained themselves - making memories. I love the military band music. It reminds me of my father. I love "God Bless America" because we are blessed to live here. When the fireworks started, we realized that we were in a bad spot to see them - right behind a tree! Next year - top of the parking ramp is looking good. We started heading back to our car. Fireworks with live music. It was a fabulous night.

Saturday morning our friends Bobbie and Jeff arrived early to go to the Farmer's Market. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as well. Still, we headed downtown and snagged green beans, a burrito and a pie! We headed home to warm up - then eventually east to the Fairgrounds (with more clothes on) to the Good Guys Car Show where Al and Sharon were showing off their 1958 Chevy truck that Al had worked on. The car show was like walking through my childhood.

Love the plate!

Sharon, Paul and Bobbie talk motors or something

Fred Behr had a Dodge Dart - not this color...or same year, but reminded me

Deardorff's Monte Carlo was beloved by many - so cool

Wayne Rodgers had a Chevy truck similar to this one

Joanie Troll has an Impala that was green and shaped somewhat like this

Robyn's dad Bobbert had a Riviera like this one - hardtop I believe - stylish!

How many families had wagons like this one in Atlantic, Iowa?

We had a fun night at our place with Higgins and McFees. Paul grilled chops, Bobbie made sangria and we cooked the green beans on the grill too. Later we sat on the deck laughing and talking. It was a great day despite weather chillier than usual for the 4th of July weekend.

On Sunday we celebrated the 50th Anniversary with Jean and Dave Fox and their families in Webster City. It was a celebration to remember - especially for their grandchildren! Congratulations to wonderful partners and parents. The slideshow made me a bit weepy.

I remember my grandparent's 50th. Most of the Morehead cousins were there (1 missing Legarra?) - one of the only times I remember us all getting together. The Fox fam is spread throughout the country - New York, California, Texas and Minnesota. I hope the cousins keep track of each other - cousin relationships are cool! (along with friends like the ones we celebrated with this weekend.) Today - I'm resting.

Dave & Jean - formal pics to come

Pops and Grandma Morehead 50th in Cedar Rapids