4th of July ~ Ogden Dunes style

We began our last 4th of July in northwest Indiana by taking a walk to the beach to see the sandcastle contest, which was being judged by our neighbors, The Guys.  Some great entries, to include a "mixed media" where a teenage girl had the tail of a mermaid and was surrounded by an octopus.  She won first place!  There was also a little guy who made a dump truck, complete with debris like sticks & twigs, as a beach clean-up truck.  He got 2nd place!  And if I'm not mistaken, third place went to a giant Blackhawks head!  There were many sharks and sandcastles, even a beach bar with female bartender and drinks!!!

 

It was a gorgeous morning and a walk on the beach was the perfect way to begin our holiday!

 

We spent several hours in the afternoon in the Four Seasons with Chris's family.  We went straight to his parents b/c the parade was underway and blocking our access to the picnic area.  While we spent longer than we would have liked at the house, we did get the chance to chat with Chris's sister, whom we never see when she is visiting.

 

We were able to visit with Chris's grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins for a couple of hours, which may very well be the last time we see them before the move to Colorado.  It was so nice to see Mama, Chris's grandmother! 

 

Then it was time to hot foot it back to Ogden Dunes for cocktails at The Guys' place followed by fireworks at the beach.  We met our neighbors Jim & Erin while at the house and look forward to seeing their place before we leave.  Erin was very sweet as she was so sad we were leaving and she had only just met us.

 

So, several of the beach house people of Ogden Dunes provide fireworks!  BIG TIME!  (Like $40,000 worth!!!)  We sat on the beach with fireworks displays going off to our left and to our right!  Plus, there were some more up and down the beach!!!  Just as the sun was setting, a firedancer performed right at the water's edge, too!  We also saw several lit Chinese lanterns take flight over the water!!!  It was pretty magical!

 

I do believe this was our most favorite 4th of July fireworks EVER!