For 3 years in a row we’ve attended the local poppy festival. And it’s easily becoming my favorite small-town tradition. Parade, free stuff, yummy treats, live music. It’s so cozy. And there are plenty of good photo ops in a field of red poppies.
I say that we live in Austin. But we’re actually in the suburbs which is pretty fun because we get the best of both worlds….drive into Austin for the “big city” atmosphere (if you can even call it big). Or just hang around our little town for that small community feel (with good football and lights). We love it.
We’ve got a band, a few cowboys (and cowgirls), old cars that honk “a-ooohga”,
and apparently something that used to be the “sanitary bakery”? Casey and I laughed about that trying to figure out what that was once….? Or. Why? I mean, what?
Then we had another laugh as my obstetrician rode by on a float with her husband, who’s running for state senate. You know you’re in a small town when….
Casey wanted to hold up Clara and declare….”she’s a Schwertner baby!” 
There were poppies on cars and poppies on dogs.
There were just poppies galore.
and popcorn galore.
With bags the size of Clara.
To be honest, the treats are the real reason I enjoy local events.
And I enjoy watching my kids have a ball….and running into friends (like Lucy’s pal who recently became his own barber).
And that’s what it’s like living in our small town. With an official family photo to wrap it up. Wow, I think the last time we were all in a picture together was December of 2010. Time to hire a photographer.
We love you poppy festival!
You make the hot summer seem doable. 
