Happy 4th of July!

We did something a little different this year.  We took the kids to Fort Tejon to see the various reenactments and the 31 cannon salute.  (The 31 cannon-fire salute signifies the 31 states that had joined the union around the mid 1800s.)  I was originally under the impression that the period was going to be the American Revolution, but the reenactments were from the Civil War period.  Oh well.  I don't think the littles realized the difference. 

The cannons they were using were impressively loud.  One was a replica, but the one shown is an original.  Maggie was so excited after every boom that she clapped and danced!

The Fort docents put on quite a few period games, tug of war being one.  They pulled with all their might but alas...the other side won.  William jumped right in to play the egg toss, but due to the incredible heat (it was pushing 100*) we decided not to risk the high possibility of him getting egg all over himself.  

There were sack races, pie eating contests, apple bobbing, as well as an old-fashioned baseball game!

 There was a little something for everyone.  We braved the laundry "station" and the kids dipped candles.  I say braved because there was a roaring fire just next to us where the kids could scrub laundry.  The fire was not for the laundry per se, but it did encourage us to continue on from this station.  Adding a fire to 100* heat was too much for me.

At night we watched fireworks.  It was an exhausting but fun day!

Happy 4th of July!