From the Inside Out

Gary and I woke up early to participate in the McKinney “Red, White, and Boom” parade. We met up with the rest of the group at the director’s house and carpooled to the staging area near downtown. It was only 10 am, but it was already 95 degrees outside — a sweltering day. I was glad I didn’t have to be in costume.

Our “float” is below. It was filled with actors from the upcoming production of Hartburn Hotel and girls from the Young Actors Guild.

“I’m on a float. I’m on a float. Everybody look at me cause I’m on a float.”

MacKenzie practicing her “miss america” wave

Janye resting before the parade begins…trying to keep cool!

Flying the colors

Dennis (”Pa”) before the parade

The line-up in front of us

Bagpipes!

Me and Gary waiting in the shade for the parade to start.

Other parade participants

Unfortunately, I didn’t think about taking pictures once the parade started. At that point, I was waving to the crowd and trying not to fall as we rode through the streets on the trailer. The parade route was short, but the streets were pretty crowded — and it was downright packed in the historic McKinney square. Even though it was miserably hot, we had a great time. Thanks to Mom and Dad for coming out to cheer us on!

After the parade, Gary and I grabbed lunch. We also did some shopping and then headed home for some “fun time” in the pool.

We gathered together with my family in the evening for a different kind of fun…blowing stuff up (otherwise known as shooting fireworks). It’s so much more fun than watching a prescripted 20 minute show.

Andrew discovers how much fun sparklers can be

Andrew spinning the sparkler

LeEllen, Kevin, Mom and Nick in front of our arsenal of fireworks

Nick enjoying the sparklers as we waited for it to get darker so we could get to the really fun stuff

Let the fun begin!!

Fountain, sparks, and fireworks

Andrew shooting a Roman candle — and Kevin making sure Andrew doesn’t get any “ideas” about aiming it elsewhere

What do we shoot off next? We have so many!

More Roman candle fun.

My little camera isn’t great at capturing fireworks, but I tried anyway. The pics here are my feeble attempt at capturing a few of them. Most of the time, I just got an empty sky. My camera is too slow!

Texas Star fountain

Another attempt at capturing one of the big ones

We bought a lot of fireworks this year. It took us about 90 minutes to shoot all of them, but no one was complaining. It was a blast!

Family, food, fun, and fireworks — a great day indeed!

Happy 4th of July, and God bless the USA!

Family, food, fun, and fireworks — those are the earmarks of a great birthday party, and Independence Day has to be the biggest one of the year. Where else can you see 306 million people joining together to celebrate one birthday?

Yes…yes, I know. We aren’t celebrating a human birth, but I don’t think that makes the celebration any less important. This birthday bash happens to be the one day each year where we set aside our political and moral differences. We proudly come together as one to celebrate the birth of our magnificent nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We also pause to remember those brave men and women who fought for the freedom and liberties we so richly enjoy today.

I’ve always loved Independence Day. Maybe it’s what the day represents — freedom. Maybe it’s because I usually spend the day in the pool or on the lake — two of my favorite pastimes. Maybe it’s because of the fireworks. No matter what age you are, those never get old. Maybe it’s all of those things.

I’m getting excited just thinking about it. We’ll be “parading” in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and meeting up with family to shoot off fireworks at night. It’s going to be a blast — no pun intended…okay, maybe it was a tiny bit intentional.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the birth of our country, don’t forget to thank God for allowing you to be a part of this great nation. And while you are at it, say a few prayers for the people who are still fighting to preserve our liberty. May God keep them safe and continue to bless the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The countdown to the holiday has begun! Before you know it, the 4th of July will be here, and it will be time to scope out a place to watch the local fireworks shows and parades. Many festivals and firework celebrations start on Friday, which means you can celebrate twice. After all, what’s better than one fireworks show? Answer: two fireworks shows!

If you’re in Collin County, here is the list of the events near you:

Southfork Ranch: America’s Tea Party, 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

McKinney: Red, White and Boom

Heritage Park: Sachse’s Red, White & Blue Blast

Frisco Square: Frisco Freedom Fest

For those of you who want to watch one of the hometown parades, I highly recommend the McKinney 4th of July parade. Gary and I will be participating in it this year, representing the McKinney Repertory Theatre and promoting our upcoming show, Hartburn Hotel. So, come out and see us — then buy tickets for the show which opens the following weekend (July 10)!

The parade begins at Old Wysong Parking Lot (corner of Hunt St. and N. Tennessee St.) across from the McKinney Public Library in Historic Downtown McKinney on July 4 at 10:30 a.m. Download the parade route here.

After the parade, you can stick around to check out the local car show, Veteran’s Salute and 14th annual ice cream contest.

Tomorrow is the fourth of July. It’s the day we celebrate our independence from Britain and the day democracy was born. For most Americans, it will be filled with family gatherings, picnics, parades, and fireworks. We will laugh, and we will play. We will celebrate a day off from work. We will enjoy the freedoms our country generously grants to us.

Amidst all of the fun, let’s not forget that freedom isn’t free. A high price was paid for the liberty we enjoy. Even today, many brave men and women are sacrificing their time and their freedom to fight for our country. They stand between us and those who want to cause us harm. They vow to protect us and our liberty — even at the expense of their own lives.

As you celebrate the holiday tomorrow, don’t forget to say a quick prayer for the men and women who are fighting daily to protect us. And when you watch the fireworks light up the night sky, remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Happy Birthday America!