One-Yard Wonders projects

Showing posts with label Yankee Doodle Pops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yankee Doodle Pops. Show all posts

Monday, July 2, 2012

It's Yankee Doodle Pops Day!!

Three years ago, on a Sunday afternoon before the 4th, I saw something on the news about the annual Yankee Doodle Pops symphony concert at the Des Moines Capitol. I'd always wanted to attend and now I finally had a little sidekick who was willing to go with me. So on a whim, I packed up Mazy, left baby Bo with Shawn and went to the Capitol grounds. I grabbed a blanket, a lawn chair, two bottles of water and a couple granola bars on our way out.

It was one of the most fun nights Mazy and I have had together. We had a blast! And we decided to make it our Fourth of July tradition. Basically, we just sat around and enjoyed the music and the people-watching and all the interesting statues and monuments at the Capitol. And then, when it was finally dark, we snuggled on the lawn chair under our blanket and watched the awesome fireworks display!!

Here are a few photos I took that evening. Mazy was 4-1/2 years old, about the same age as Bo now. You will likely see an uncanny resemblance...

 In the shadows, I thought this was a photo of Bo! You will see in the next photo that he really, really needed a haircut. Poor kid. 



In 2010, we invited my mom to join us, and my aunt Sherie and her family. This time, I planned a far better menu for our evening -- fancy cheeses, olives, good bread, delicious cookies, etc. It was a cool evening, beautiful weather and again, we had a fabulous time. But I didn't take any photos that year.

In 2011, it was hot on the day of Yankee Doodle Pops. I made an executive decision to skip it. Mazy has been talking about it ever since...

In 2012, it's hotter than hell but we're going! It's Tuesday night. My sister is coming up from Kansas City to join us with her daughter. (Hudson will be at the farm -- too hot for that little guy.) My brother is sending his oldest son Kael to join us. My aunt Sherie and her family are coming. And I've heard rumors that my Uncle Doug and his daughter Marla may show up as well. And for the first time ever, Mr. Bo Hanson will be making an appearance! I'm so excited to take him. He's at the age where fireworks and getting to stay up really late are like the ultimate things to do. I can't wait!

I bought a lot of the food tonight and will get the rest tomorrow. Heidi is bringing a bunch as well. We'll look for shade and take plenty of water for those crazy kids. And a big thermos of sangria for us adults. :) I can't wait!

Enjoy your 4th of July plans, everyone!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Yankee Doodle Fun! Fun! Fun!

Just got back from Yankee Doodle Pops at the Iowa Capitol. Wow. What an awesome event. It is perhaps one of the most relaxing HUGE events you will ever attend in DSM. We took lawn chairs, blankets, gourmet cheeses, South Union baguette, sushi rolls, wine, bottled waters, cookies, sandwiches, fried chicken, a couple of balls, a camera, and some glow sticks for Mazy. Then we picked a shady spot on a big hill that overlooks the entire city of DSM, and just sat, talked and ate for four hours!

Oh, it was fun and so relaxing. Mazy, Mom and I just got back -- it's about 10:45 p.m. Mazy needs to go to bed. He's wired. He and cousin Luke ran, wrestled and played all night long. The rest of us agreed this event is a keeper and will be repeated many years to come!

Tomorrow I have the day off and I don't think we're going to do anything too taxing. Mom is spending the night tonight -- in the bottom bunk bed in the boys' room! I actually slept there last night after Mazy had a bad dream and came into our room. He and Shawn have a tendency to steal the covers!

Well, time to get that boy to bed. Thanks Des Moines Symphony Orchestra for a fantastic night! Next year Shawn and Bo are joining us for sure!