THE 4th of JULY :A PARADE, A PATRIOT & A PROUD GREAT GRANDSON

Since 1986 my family starts the 4th of July off with a parade in Sierra Madre California.  You see Pappa, a member of VFW troop 3208, is in the parade with his veteran buddies every year.  He use to carry the flag.

But a few years back this, now 96 year old,realized the great luxury of riding in his friend Art's car.  

Come on smile Pappa!

One reason for the big grin this year, is that his favorite little guy, 6 year old alexander, his great grandson would be riding in the car with him for the first time. The anticipation was driving us all crazy waiting for the car to arrive.  His little sister Isabella was looking everywhere for him.

Thanks to mom she was appropriately clad in Red, White & blue ( even the umbrella was star spangled)

Ok so Bella was ready, I had my camera and Xander had practiced his wave  for days!!  After all he told his mom he was now going to be famous, because he was in the parade. Drum roll please.

Very nice hand wave action and there was more...

 Is that a look of satisfaction or what? You just knew by the look on Xanders face, that he not only did a great job, but waved the flag just like Grandpa Mike.  And to his surprise Art gave him a very special job.  He became not only the bearer of the flags, but got to hand them out to the kids who were waving at him.

Could this day get any better for this 6 year old.Yeeeeees it could. The now famous boy from Burbank got to see his lil sister light up with joy 

over his moment in the spot light.

Oh yea Mommie & Dada were pretty proud too!  How about one or two final waves.

The best comment of the day came at the end of the parade, when his Grandma asked if he had a good time With much hope in his heart, Xander replied "Yea, can I do this every 4th of July?" :-) 

Happy 4th of July everyone, from Debra Snell Photography.