Independence Day Celebrations

This is the flag art project that Cole did this morning...beautiful!

My friend had a cookout yesterday for the 4th and we went (with roasted veggies in hand). Everyone had a great time. The food was fantastic, visiting friends was as fun as ever, the boys were well behaved, and we got to see fireworks and roast marshmallows. What can be better than that?!

Out come the sparklers and an opportunity for mommy to try out all of the features on her camera!

Cole was mesmerized.

We headed out front for the real show on the street. The kids all were excited in spite of the fact that it was WAY past bedtime. Look at my little boys having the time of their lives.

Rhys wasn't sure about it but he was clearly impressed with the show.

I took a video too.

At times like this, I feel a sense of obligation to start family traditions. Growing up, we always went to the lake for the 4th. My dad's birthday is on the 6th so we would pair up the two celebrations and enjoy fireworks, sing happy birthday, and eat cake! For several years, we would go with a group of boats to a resort/yacht club/marina that took a fair number of hours to boat to. We would all tie up near each other and sometimes to each other and watch the firework display that the club put on. It was spectacular.

I can put myself there right now. I can feel the cool breeze on my sunburned shoulders, the damp beach towel wrapped around my feet and see the light from the fireworks reflect off the whole front of my body and the faces of my sisters. We are sitting on the roof of the boat and the lights flash. A moment later, we hear the BOOM! The distance from the display adds to the beauty because we can see all of the lights reflecting on the water. When we think that it is nearing the end, we incorrectly call out, "This is the grand finale!" The display goes on and on, to our delight, and eventually we are right...finally: "This is the grand finale!" and it is.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for such great memories of this very American holiday. I hope that my children can say the same in years to come.