Fireworks on the River

We were so excited to try the fireworks on the river.  The excitement in the air was fun.  In order to get a spot, we had to arrive early.  Not as early as some, it appeared.  People were barbecuing on their boats, having a grand time.  We parked and the kids had snacks and colored and watched people.  

A view of downtown Nashville from the river and other boats ready to party.

Kayaks getting into the spirit of the holiday.

Nashville fire boat, ready to put out fires!

A boat-load of girls (and Lance and Wes) ready for the show to start.

A big paddle boat, The General Jackson, cruised on by.

Kara coloring and waiting for the show.

Brooke, Wes, and me having a great time!

Coloring and waiting.

While waiting, we could hear a concert at the Riverfront Park.  When that was done, the fireworks began.  The fireworks show was nothing like I had ever seen before.  It was huge and spectacular.  Being so close was fun too.  We felt the booms in our chests.  The kids were all mesmerized.  Wesley took a lot of pictures, but one kind of can show the grandness of it all.

The trip back was kind of an adventure.  When the show was done, it was a race to the docks.  Imagine, a million boats, in the dark, racing at high speeds to get their boat out first.  A little bit scary.  When we got close to their dock, there were police boats calling for everyone to slow down.  Lance jumped in and ran to get the truck.  He was so quick, that he was second in line.  We weren't quite sure if it was him because of the way he backed down the dock (probably like I would have).  I guess the light was out and the darkness posed a challenge for him.  They had a bit of a challenge loading the boat as well because bolts had come off the boards that hold the boat.  The traffic was slow and the planned escape route was closed. Good thing for cell phones!  The truck ended up overheating and they pulled into a church parking lot.  After a debate of what to do, the truck had cooled and the traffic had lightened.  So we made it home, truck, boat and all.  Lance is so handy that he had the trailer and truck fixed by the afternoon of the second day!