4th of July at the Park

Dietrich had a scout breakfast at the park.  So, the Ward Clan got on the Ward Bus, and rode their way into town on the big yellow school bus!  (That is how you make an entrance people!!)   It was fun to start the celebration of the 4th with the proper respect to our flag and country as we watched Leslie, Gavin, and JT participate in the flag ceremony.  Afterward, we enjoyed the morning seeing family and friends as we ate a wonderful outdoor breakfast at the park.  The afternoon was spent stayin' cool as we went in the slip-n-slide, rode 4 wheelers, and chatted with family back on the farm.  Then, the community had a talent show, potluck dinner, and firework show.  So, we headed back to the Dietrich park where we enjoyed the potluck dinner (ate WAY too much yummy food, especially desserts...always do at potlucks!), talent show, and were about to get all cozy and wait for the fireworks when a freak wind/dust storm hit right where we were.  (Luckily, we had about a 2 minute warning (Johnny, Janie's husband called us, because he saw the storm coming as he was driving).  It wasn't just a calm breeze that cools you down, or a little wind that you wait until it passes either; this was a knock down tree limbs wind, that caused EVERYONE to flee for shelter under the pavilion.  We all got nice and cozy, real fast!  It came on so suddenly, that it took a minute for everyone to locate their kids who were running around, on the playground, with friends, etc.  It was a big enough storm that took us by surprise and gave us a little shock a small taste what a natural disaster could be like with panic, trying to find love ones, people helping each other, finding shelter where you can, praying, etc.  So, needless to say, the fireworks were cancelled and everyone went home to celebrate with their families.  Clay wasn't going to let a little wind get between him and his fireworks....so later in the evening, he felt that it was calm enough to shoot off some beloved fireworks.  Clay gave a great show to the entire family, well except Laura and Detric who were inside.  Detric did NOT like the fireworks at all...he screamed!!