Alameda parade

We took Mio to see the Alameda Independence Day Parade yesterday for a Fourth of July celebration. Alameda’s parade is apparently the largest (with 160+ floats) and longest (3.2 miles) Independence Day parade in the country! It was a hot day, but we parked ourselves under some shade and watched the parade go by — Mio had fun watching her first parade!

Mio and I at the Alameda Parade — Mio and I moved to get a closer look at the parade.

Mio and I watching the floats go by — Watching the floats go by.

There were lots of cool classic cars in the parade!

Baby you're a firework! — Baby you’re a firework! Mio in her Fourth-of-July dress.

A Japanese-themed float representing the Buddhist Temple of Alameda

Enjoying the parade in the shade with Daddy

Giggles! — Mio giggling with Auntie Tarrin! 🙂

After the parade, we walked back to our friends Tarrin and Jason’s house to enjoy a BBQ lunch — everything they cooked was amazing! Our tummies got to enjoy quite a feast!

Grilling some delicious burgers! — Jason grilling some delicious burgers!

Rishy and Mio — Mio following 4-year old Rishy around.

We also got to hang out on their hammock — it was so relaxing!

First time on the hammock — Mio’s first time on the hammock

Mio and Daddy on the hammock — Dan borrowed my sunglasses… lol.

Mio with Mama — Mio had a fun time exploring the backyard!

All of us had a great time spending the day in Alameda! After eating all the delicious food and being out in the summer sun, we all took a long nap when we got home that evening. Hope everyone else had a memorable Fourth, too! 🙂

4th of July Parade & BBQ