Independence Day! 🇺🇸

(Quickly look at the picture. 👆🏻 Do you see our flag in the clouds and sunset? The 'stripes' are in the clouds to the right, mingled with the rosey hue. To the left the clouds are more compact, resembling a darker square. Hubs & I both spotted it at the same time. That's my favorite red, white & blue!)

We pulled into Great Falls, Montana, on the eve of the 4th. Their little town was bustling and brimming with holiday festivities. We asked the clerk at the hotel desk about different places to see and schedules for parades and fireworks. You know. All the fun that goes into a proper July 4th. 😉 

The Heritage Inn was our pick for the long weekend. What a fitting name for a celebration of our own heritage! It was pleasantly surprising to see how spacious and comfy our room was. Walking through the door, and plopping down our bags and totes full of Jax's toys, we started to unwind. When you're constantly moving and bouncing down some stretches of highways, with all of their construction, your whole body ends up tense and vibrating.  Just sitting still for a few minutes felt so good! 😊  Not to mention the cool air conditioning. The temps outside were really moderate compared to our Texas home, but we were glad to find a cooler spot. 

First on the agenda was showers and pajamas.  Yes, PJs.  It is an unspoken rule that the first evening of our down time starts EARLY.  😂  Next we placed an order for a grocery delivery.  Then an order for a pizza delivery.  

The next morning, after a very hearty and satisfying complementary breakfast, we unhooked the trailer, and took off in the truck. It is next to impossible to journey through town towing that 40' flatbed. But if anyone could maneuver through it, I would bet on Hubs any day. 

Our first stop was for our sweet boy. He is the very best traveler, and we wanted to reward him. Therefore, he got to shop for new toys in his favorite store. He got his leash on and inside we went. Jax walked up and down a few aisles wagging his little tail behind him, and accepting any and all belly rubs offered. In no time at all, he'd picked out 6 toys (thank goodness for awesome sales and treat rewards!) and made one new buddy.....a very friendly golden lab puppy. 🐶 

One. Very. Happy. Doggo. 👆🏻  Someone hit the 'Jax-pot'! 

The next stop was for Mommy & Daddy, too. First some hot, fresh popcorn, and then Wendy's for Frosties & pup cups. 🍿 🍨 

Continuing on with our happy adventure, we found the most interesting duck pond/park. There, Jax would get to explore, play a bit of frisbee and fetch his new toys! The ducks would get some popcorn. 

To our surprise, much more than ducks lived at the park. Too numerous to count were also geese and gulls. It was a noisy, fluttering sight to behold. 

We played and snacked and fed birds for a good chunk of the afternoon. From there we took a little scenic drive around town. We'd been in Great Falls before, but hadn't gotten to see much. I was particularly interested in the murals painted on some of their walls along the streets. 

Making our way back to the hotel, we grilled some steaks & baked potatoes, and enjoyed a wonderful meal. The plan had been to go back out that night for the fireworks show. Unfortunately they were postponed due to a storm. ☔️. But the day had been a huge success anyway! 

......and to be perfectly honest, we were dragging a little bit. 😂 Jax had the best idea. 👇🏻