A Winterton 4th of July

We went to Pittsburgh for the 4th, particularly to accompany Ann in the Winterton Street Parade. David's family has lived on Winterton for nearly all of David's life. As the story goes, 34 years ago some Vets were partying on the street on the eve of the 4th of July. They were still up partying at 6 a.m. and they decided to welcome the holiday by parading down the street, and I believe by playing revelry. The next year they were polite enough to wait until 7 a.m. By the third year, the residents had convinced them to wait until 9 with the promise of more marchers. The Winterton neighbors have been marching every year since: kids riding bikes, anyone who plays an instrument, playing it, and those who don't carrying pots and pans to bang and raising their voices. Ann, who was once a state champion majorette, used to twirl her baton at the front of the group. This year she was set on participating, whatever it took. One of her wonderful caregivers, Kim, worked with her for days to put together a red, white, and blue outfit. David found her baton, and the kids decorated her wheel chair. Here are some pics of the morning...

Ann is all dressed up and ready for a parade


So is Ada (Ada's dress was giving to us by Barbara Howe, a long-time neighbor on the street. According to Barb, girls have been wearing this hand-made dress on the street since the 1970s. It's Ada's turn now, and when she grows out of it, we'll have to pass it along to the next girl)


The head of the Winterton Street Parade


Mommy and Ada, Kim and Ann march in the parade


Grandma gazes at Ada


Ann sings


Initially, Breyten decided marching in the parade would be too much like a performance, which makes him feel very shy. So he opted to follow the parade on scooter.


Eventually, Breyten decided the parade wasn't all bad since there was really no one watching it. Everyone on the street was actually in the parade! Here he joins Mommy singing, while Ada sucks her finger (typical when she's feeling shy)


Breyten singing


Ann and Kim singing again, during the parade


Yo-yo: toy of the ages



I believe the yo-yo flew off his hand. David caught the expression of glee.


Ada was tickled to finally get her hands on Grandma's hat