Old School 4th of July

T'was a time when the Fourth of July was always in Avoca. In more recent years, it's been the best time for Dad's siblings to return to Nebraska for a holiday/Cathie's birthday celebration. With the birth of cousin Oliver and Aunt Heather's school schedule, we were able to see two Hall siblings on the third, which left us free to return to an old tradition on the Fourth.

We got a tour of the renovated courthouse (not in operation, but preserved by community members). The kids loved playing judge, and Mom enjoyed seeing a volunteer-run historic preservation project.

Small town parades, pretty much where every Tootsie Roll in the world is at on the Fourth of July. Len loves horses!

Ernie wore his Oliver shirt and matched a good old '88 in the proceedings!

Across from the old townhouse and next to the courthouse are some war implements. They've painted them from when we were kids, and they'll have to again some day because kids still love sitting on them.