Celebrating the 4th of July in Granby

We spent the 4th of July back in Granby, where the Watterson Family Reunion had just taken place; although things looked a little different.

Denver had some awesome thunderstorms come through last week. I guess parts of Granby and the surrounding area had wind storms. This is what the area now looks like.



What the tent camp area now looks like.

If you look at last week's post, Ellie and Rebecca would have been sitting to the far right of the picture above and this picture would be looking at their left sides.

The red circle is around the table right next to the campfire sitting area.

We spent part of the time helping clear out some of the trees. Needless to say, we were blessed to have the reunion when we did.

Though the weekend wasn't all work. While the menfolk worked Saturday prevening (before evening but after afternoon), the women and children went to play at the beach of Grand Lake. Now while I thought they might have been joking about stating you would need a wetsuit to ski this lake, I was mistaken. It is a glacial lake. Your feet are numb within 5 minutes of wading.


Ellie not letting the cold water stop her from having a good time.

The kids dug holes in the sand and filed them with water. Ellie would pick up dirt and either throw it into the lake or into the newly dug water holes. She waded in til the water was mid waist. I finally had to wash the dirt off her and then pull her out. Only then did she start shivering and act like the cold bothered her.

Sunday was peaceful as we attended church at the branch located on church row; right next to the catholic and baptist churches although they had direction signs and we didn't. After delicious homemade taquitos for lunch and naps, we went hiking back up to Adams Falls. Then back to the cabin for probably the 10th game of Settlers of Catan.

Monday morning, the men headed out to clear some trees before the Granby parade. At 10:45 we packed in to cars and headed down to the main street. 

The Watterson's setting up for the parade.

This was an interesting parade as there weren't traditional floats. It was simply put together by the people of the town of Granby.  It started with fire trucks and EMS vehicle with blaring sirens and flashing lights.   

Line of fire trucks and EMS vehicles.

 Some of those trucks are filled with water that it sprays onto the streets where the kids can run out and play in the water.


Now that's what I call a fountain.

Next came all the parade entries of the local towns people and businesses; support local veterans, boy scouts on bikes, girls scouts dressed in cookie boxes on a flat bed, horses, rent the local ATV/snowmobile, etc. Most of the people had candy or toys to hand out. Ellie was the recipient of a small windmill flower. She was excited.  

Watching the parade with Daddy.

After there is a huge BBQ in a nearby park, again put on by the Chamber of Commerce and the townsfolk. They sell a hamburger or hot dog with chips and a drink for $4-$5 each. There were also root beer floats, scoops of ice cream, pieces of pie, etc. all for sale and to support different groups.

Ellie and the "miniature horse" from the parade. Of course she just giggled at it.

Then they had kids games set up for all ages. Ellie ran in the under 3 foot race. She did pretty good. All the kids received prizes. The older kids had potato sack, wheel barrow, and 3-legged races. You couldn't keep the adults out of the water balloon toss and subsequent water balloon fight.


Jake (wearing Russ's hat) and Gil trying to beat the kids at water balloon toss.

To finish it all off, they bring back in a fire truck and let the kids run and play in the water. Ellie wouldn't run through by herself, but I wasn't dressed to run through more than twice.


Ellie and Mommy running in the water.

Daddy didn't want to run through the water.  After this we headed back so Ellie could nap while the men (and I) could clean up trees and the women and children went back to the lake. She was so tired, she slept close to 4 hours.   

Jake, Rob and the little kids getting back at Avery for all his teasing.

Once dinner was finished, we again packed in to cars to drive to see fireworks. We pulled over on the side of the road near a rodeo and waited.


Ellie and Daddy waiting for the fireworks to start.

She didn't stay in her chair long. Since we were sitting on the side of highway 40, Ellie jumped into my lap after watching one or two cars drive by. She was a little unsure about the fireworks at first and moved from my lap to Jake's. There he helped her see how fun they were to watch.  

Although her face shows concern, she was clapping and saying "weee".

Because Jake had to work early the next morning, we waited for traffic to clear and then drove home.

We want to thank Russ, Nila and their family for allowing us to come share in a fun weekend with them.