For the past several years our subdivision has made some very worthy attempts at neighborhood patrioticism. Excitement abounds as all the tiny neighbors gather red/white/blue ribbons and sparkly garland to decorate their transportation of choice for the Annual Bike Parade. Every mode of travel is represented. We have the traditional bicycle, of course, scooters, wagons, strollers, kids walking and even a little majorette. The parade is guided by our own Uncle Sam (who also happens to be my brother-in-law), holding his trusty iPod portable speaker loaded with patriotic tunes, preparing to lead the group down the street towards the neighborhood park where ice cream awaits.
Sounds picturesque, doesn’t it?
It actually is.
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before but my entire family lives in the same subdivision. Entirely. Mom and Dad. Twin brother and family. Older sister and family. All of us. In one neighborhood. Now, for some families this would be a recipe for disaster. I can only imagine the potential our little set-up has for destruction of horrendous proportions. But, strangely, it actually works for us. We have an “unspoken” respect for boundaries and for the last seven years have managed to live in a very cohesive peace. In fact, we all love our proximity so much that the idea of one of us actually moving out of the neighborhood makes us all a bit uneasy. We do “creepy commune family” really well.
The idea for a bike parade came up about 4 years ago and although we all thought it would be an awesome idea we also were uncertain as to how great the participation would be. So, tentatively, the time was scheduled and our First Annual Bike Parade was set into motion.
I remember helping Avery (who was an adorable 3 at the time) amble down the street on her little bike, dressed to the hilt in patriotic duds, approaching the designated starting point of the parade. I also remember thinking that there was a very real chance that the only kids actually participating in this bike parade would also happen to share some of my DNA. I rounded the corner into the cul-de-sac and was shocked at the explosion of red, white and blue gathered in the center. Everyone was there. It appeared that almost every neighbor kid had decided to join in and some had even invited friends. And, with a very familiar lump in the back of my throat that presents itself at even the most trivial of parades, I watched the neighborhood join in patriotic celebration.
And, today was no different. The rest of the evening will be spent enjoying BBQ and beer with friends and family and will end with a very impressive display of fireworks.
I am hoping that everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July spent with those you love. I also hope that everyone took a moment to appreciate this amazing country we have been blessed with and have remembered to thank those who have defended the cornerstone of our Nation: Freedom.
Happy Independence Day!
Mindy
Marly says
I remember bike parades in our small town. Those were so fun. We would usually weave colored ribbons (or whatever we could find) in the spokes of our wheels. Thanks for the post on your holiday celebrations. Looks like it was fun!
Mindee@ourfrontdoor says
We have that too! It’s such a fun tradition. Good for you for starting it!
Brandy says
We do have a great situation. Really liked today’s post, Min.
Lori @ In Pursuit of Martha Points says
Oh that is AWESOME!
That’s a great idea for kids. Love it!
AND…my family often talks about living on one big property someday. I love them, we work together well and yet all need lots of our own time/space.
I completely get it.
christina says
Hey that is pretty cool tradition. What a great idea.
SuziCate says
I am amazed and impressed…living in the same vicinity with my entire family would just about do me in, well, it would do me in! Love the parade!
Angelia Sims says
That is too cute! We had a neighborhood parade when I lived in my dream home. Only about 9 total participated. But hey, I think it would have grown. 🙂 Avery is precious! I’m so jealous she can ride a bike, Sydney still doesn’t know how – at 16!!
Heather says
That sounds so lovely to have the whole community to join in.
Glad you had such a wonderful time.
Spot says
I love that you live so close to your family! That’s impressive and awesome! Not sure it would work for us though. =]
I love your bike parade and that it is so well attended! What a fabulous tradition. I did enjoy my fourth and gave thanks for many many things this year!! Glad yours was great too. Your kids are soooo adorable.
♥Spot