Independence Joys

The Kids and Tony and I got up early to prepare for the Elgin "Rockin' Abe" 4th of July parade. The parade was over 2.5 hours long and WONDERFUL!!! Richard Bennett and his wonderful 1957 Ice Blue Cadillac Convertible were my escort, as #31 in the parade. Right after Dick Durbin, the Illinois Senator and before Ronald McDonald! LOL
We had 5 queens overall in the parade and lots and lots of fantastic organizations, persons and schools within our community. After our 2 mile ride on the parade course, Richard was kind enough to drop me back at the house and I was able to enjoy the parade with the family, my Cousin Sue and her kids plus our good friends Trish and Paul. After the parade Ali and I went to the judges ground and city hall to hang out free Freeze-Pops to the crowds and give away the Parade Float awards.

The Blues Brother band played and we shortly left for home to join our family and friends for a cook-out and fireworks at our house. It was nice to take off the heels, crown and gown and just relax and play with the kids and adults alike for a few hours. The end of the evening was a hosting of our Fireworks display... a little more popular this year as the Elgin fireworks misfired and lasted only 10 minutes... we go the added company of neighbors and their children to enjoy the free "Mortar and Roman Candle" display by Tony, Nephew Nick and helper Paul. ;)

We had a great night sleep, and spent Saturday with Family at the Arlington Heights Frontier Days and enjoyed a kick-awesome concert with Dennis DeYoung of Styx in the evening. Nice guy, and FANTASTIC voice, even at age 61. ;)