Happy 4th of July!

For those of you who did not know (and were wondering why my posts had been few and far between over the past several months), we are now back in the U.S.  Now that I am in familiar territory, I think it might be fun (at least for a while) to write about special events as well as everyday occurrences that might seem funny or interesting to those outside of the states, especially my Scandinavian friends.  I think the 4th of July would be a great place to start!

We were fortunate to have been in Norway for this year's National Day (17th of May).  It was certainly interesting to see the differences in how different countries celebrate their Independence or National Day.   If you are curious about what happens on "Syttende Mai", you can check out my take on the experience: http://ourfamilyinsweden.blogspot.com/2014/05/17th-of-may-norways-national-day.html

The girls and I prepped for the 4th of July weekend with last minute pedicures (something that we had not indulged in during our time in Norway)  As a point of reference for my Norwegian friends, we paid the equivalent of about 420NOK (total) for our pedicures...a real bargain!

The girls chose a patriotic look!

There are many options as to how to spend the 4th of July weekend.  Many cities have their own festivals where carnival rides, junk food, and fireworks are common elements.   We attended a fest on the 3rd of July that covered all the bases.

Spinning pumpkin ride with Nana!

Gotta love a mini dragon roller coaster!

Part of the fun of this evening was that we were joined by some friends who had just moved here from Paris (for the record, they are Danish...not French).  I can only imagine the culture shock they experienced!  If nothing else, some of the food options were unique.  In addition to the super-sized lemonade and a pork chop on a stick, we introduced them to the fantastic-ly deep fried "elephant ear".

A few bites shy of the whole ear....didn't take the photo fast enough!

Beyond the standard fest activities, this festival had hot air balloons (for you Chicago area folks...yes, we were in Lisle for "Eyes to the Skies").   Depending on the weather, there are two balloon launches each day and a "balloon glow" in the evening.  We were lucky enough to see the balloons lit up this year.

Highlighting the US bank balloon was not intentional...

As far as fireworks, some cities set them off on the 3rd of July and some on the 4th.  To cap off the junk food eating, carnival ride riding and balloon watching on the 3rd, we decided to let the girls stay up to enjoy the fireworks.   My four year old nephew added to the entertainment by screaming, "That one is my favorite!"...after each explosion.

Fireworks are definitely something to experience in person!

After a late evening, I woke up the girls early the next morning so we could have breakfast with friends then watch a parade.   Unlike the 17th of May that we experienced in Norway, there was only 1 parade (not 2) and participation by the kids seemed to be limited to the marching bands and outside of school activities (soccer, dance, etc.)   In the U.S. there is also a strong showing of emergency vehicles and the military.

Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances...oh my!

Much respect shown for the veterans!

Attire on the 4th of July is certainly a far cry from the suits and bunads that we saw on Norway's National Day.

For those of you wondering about a bunad...here you go!

4th of July- cute and casual!

It was great to have experienced the 17th of May in Norway...and then to have made it back to the U.S. for the 4th of July.  Just don't ask me to pick which celebration I enjoyed more...that would NOT be a way to keep friends!