Rota 4th of July Celebration

On Thursday, the base held a huge event to celebrate Independence Day. They do it every year and it such a wonderful event for those families and sailors not traveling over the long holiday weekend. It was held early so people could still take advantage of traveling for the weekend. Last year, we were in London for the 4th so we did not see any of the events held.

This year's theme was "Wild West." They had a country band and another band, Safety Suit, that had some hit last summer? I don't know. It just confirms I'm getting old. Anyways, different commands were selling Americana food, the bouncers were out for kids, along with face painting, and a movie started for kids at about 11pm. At midnight, they did a small fireworks display as well. It has been pretty hot here lately so we did not last too long at the event. We went to get something to eat and have O play on the bouncers a little. By the end of that, which was about 7pm, we left to go to our neighbor's house for a night cap and have the kids play a little before bed.
On Friday, the adults put the kids in our day care on base for a few hours and we all went to the local beach together! It was nice to have adult interaction and be able to do what we wanted at the beach. Justin walked over to the local cigar shop and bought some cigars for the guys to smoke on the beach. It was awesome to have the day off with our men!


The stage for the bands at the Wild West Independence Day event.

Daddy and O getting ready to hit the bounce houses.

O makes an attempt to climb the rope with Daddy's help.

Climbing out of the tunnel together.

O and Drew. They got these hats as they entered the event. She loves this hat and has been wearing it a ton since Thursday.

Who has command duty (is on call) and has to wear his uniform to the HOT Independence Day event? This guy!! He's our friend Ben. I felt sorry for everyone who had to be in uniform at the event. It was so warm!

Drew and O checking out the NavSta Rota Firetruck with their fireman hats on.

Time to pack it in and head home.

Had to include this. I am not really smoking this cigar but I wanted to pose for a picture with the "Forbidden Fruit" of cigars. A Cuban. We are such rebels.