Festivious

[fes.tiv.e.uhs]

Adjective.

To be prone to take part in fesitvals. Joyous. Capable of joy.

I thought I invented a new word. Turns out that, while technically a word, festivious does appear in something known as the urban dictionary. Slang-like. Still, that doesn't diminish how I feel. That's because I'm festivious. And around we go.

Festivities started a couple days early, to squeeze in time to celebrate notres neighbors a la nord. July 1, in Ohio.

Eva is particularly happy to have Nola, a dress exchange partner with makeup, who also has a penchant for drama.

Nola, Eva and Ella explore the grounds.

Largely a chill visit. Some wine, great food, a splash of bourbon and the remnants of Zacapa XO. Some hula hoop demos from the kids, a fire (sort of, both wood and gas can), and pond fishing. Eva somehow balances her flair for fashion and angling.

Levi takes it all in. Hanging out, hanging loose. Just like his old man.

So the fourth comes. We get up around 10. Take in a parade. Kentucky does everything else better than everyone, why should a parade be any different. Being Canadian, I've never been so prepared for a parade in my life. I did make the call on the folding chairs, and the departure time (arrived just as the first vehicle started up, about 100 yards down the road - yes I said yards, this is America). But the bags for candy were Alexis, and holy moly were they a good call.

You see, the American parade - apart from American cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, marching bands, and the like, still has candy being thrown. Geez, Norman Rockwell painted me today.

Eva keeps a sharp eye, while Levi opted for the comfort of a folding chair.

Upon learning that he might miss the boat on candy unless he sees them coming, he joins in. We tell him to wave back to make sure the people know he is there and they notice him. So he has the cutest tentative way, a half raised arm and a slight wiggle of the fingers. Respectful, but at the same time says if you don't have any candy I'll figure it out quick and stop the charade.

Those Peloza kids held off and had only two pieces of candy during the actual parade (which lasted one full hour - hell yeah, that's Kentucky).

After a parade, what better way to celebrate the milestone of 239 years than a stop at West 6th. IPA for the grown ups, a refreshing blackberry soda for the youngins.

 

Then some bonding time between the gals.

Into the evening and some fireworks of our own. A small plane flyer dealie in the parking lot, then some snap dragons, and finally some sparklers. The kids dance and sparkle.

Then off to the playground. Eva did the balance beam, and hangs perfectly. I think there is an equivalent picture of this from last year (I can't find it now, long time readers can do their own recon).

 

And of course Levi plays the monkey role, keen to show off his skills. In the accompanying video, he throws up his arms at the end as if to say "done" and then actually says it, "done."

Finally some fireworks down at the neighbors' house. The sunset gave the perfect backdrop to the perfect day.