We recently drove 2400 miles to Oregon, Washington State, and Idaho to see family and friends. (I’ll write about the trip itself next week.) We planned the trip around the fourth of July, since one of Don’s desires was to see a “good, Americana fourth of July.” We had heard there was a fun, local parade that had a wet zone. Hmmm … that might feel good! The extent of that wet zone remained to be seen.

And we got it – sitting in the wet zone for a wonderful Fourth!

With my nephew Josiah, his wife Amanda, Simon, Lucy and Maggie, we went to the small town of Middleton, Idaho. Josiah and Amanda had chosen great spots at the beginning of the “wet zone”, near the end of the “dry zone”, so we could run if we didn’t want to get soaked! Water balloons, water pistols, hoses – all ready and willing to be used on the crowds, who were eager to respond with their own weapons of water attack.

Water everywhere once the “wet zone” began

Amanda’s parents, as well as a number of their Josiah and Amanda’s friends were there too. We were delighted to meet Paul and Ann Kroeker, who moved from San Jose three weeks ago; as well as others from church and their neighborhood. I loved seeing the special group of friends with whom “our kids” and their children are connected.

Here are a few pictures from our wet zone Fourth

Churches, healthcare agencies, an old police car, fire trucks, floats… and water!

We had so much fun watching the children laugh, run into the street with their own water guns or balloons, and get soaked to the skin. Some of the adults did too!

The Close of our Wet Zone Parade

As we drove away from the parade, families and friends sat or stood in driveways, watching vehicles drive by. The children were less passive, throwing remaining water balloons as we passed.

Fortunately, we had our windows up, so we just laughed and waved at the children enjoying aiming at us. Look at the passion on these kids’ faces. What fun!

A Wet Zone Americana Fourth

So Don got, and I enjoyed, his Americana Fourth of July, honoring our country. Yes, we have our challenges. No, we’ve not done everything right. But we were founded on Judeo Christian principles of justice and democracy, and for those I am thankful.

Fireworks in the Boise area wouldn’t start ’til 10 or later (it stayed light late!), so we watched the Capitol Fireworks on television, then went to bed in order to leave the next morning.

Thanks for the great fun, Idaho — and our hosts, Karen and John Ochsner, Don’s niece and her husband. More about our trip next week.

I wish you all a restful week, which we also want! Blessings!