40th Annual Hale Candy Drop & Water Fight

On the 4th we headed to the Hale candy drop and water fight. It was the first year that we were "proactive" in finding out the details and etc. I'm so glad we did! I didn't realize how long this tradition has been underway. It started back in 1971, thanks to Justin's grandma Elaine B.! I love a good family tradition. I'm always looking for ways in incorporate more Baughman/Hale traditions into our little family. So.. looks like this one is going to stick! We started off with a yummy BBQ and then the festivities began.

Uncle Val giving us the run down..

The visiting celebrity this year was "Jimmer"! He was quite witty.

The celebrities then toss candy and water out the windows for the kids...

Luke was pretty confused at first... didn't really know what his little bag was for.

He figured it out eventually.. but was definitely overwhelmed by the process.

This girl on the other hand was right in it!

Mylie was pretty selective going for the candy. She knew that after a huge toss of candy, water would follow. She would wait patiently for the burst of water, then she'd head in for the candy. Smart chica.

Dad came to Luke's aid..

Towards the end of the candy toss.. the water fight ensued. This isn't some rinky dink water fight.. check out these barrels.

More than a few were spread throughout the backyard.

It gets a little crazy and intense.. buckets of water being thrown everywhere at everyone!

I headed inside with the camera to get pictures out of the window. (Hence the poor picture quality.) No way I was chancing my camera getting wet. Mylie and Justin.. scoping out their next victim.

Luke was in the middle of it all..

and got caught in between the crossfire! Not happy. Dad showing him where I was through the window.

Still devastated. In his defense.. this was right in the middle of nap time.

I went to Luke's rescue..brought him inside.. changed his clothes.. and warmed him up. Just as I finished, Cali ran in and told me that Mylie was really hurt. Initially, I hesitated and asked where Justin was. I was surprised he wasn't with her.. being outside after all. Sure enough, I headed outside to find my "injured" baby girl and Justin gets me with a huge bucket full of water!! I wasn't planning on getting wet!! But, I couldn't help but laugh. I'll hand it to 'em.. it was clever. An injured child is probably the only thing that would've got me outside! So.. I joined in the fun and got Mr. Baughman with a few bucket fulls, which he deserved!

It seemed like such a random combination at first.. candy drop and water fight.. but it was awesome! We're already looking forward to next year.