4th of July

For the past 6 or so years we have celebrated with the same 2 or 3 families. Not intentionally. It just kind of happens. Our church puts on a family oriented fireworks display that rivals the big show across town. And we all just seem to gather, together, at the top of the hill. A tradition I guess you could say. My kind of tradition. No planning whatsoever!

There are jumpy things for the kids and concession sales of hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, baked goods and sodas. The church is open so you can get cool or use the restroom. And they usually have a silent auction or garage sale going on inside.

So far, every year, we have been able to get a place right on the top of the hill, in the shade. And for as hot as it is in July, we were saying last night, that we have never been uncomfortably warm. Hubby usually goes up around 5 and sets out our chairs and blankets and umbrella. He comes home, we gather up every thing else and head out around 6:30ish.

This year I actually let the kids roam around. Big step for me. I am such a freak when it comes to events with TONS of people. But, early in the evening, it is mostly people from the church and the kids are responsible to each other and they were really good about checking in. Plus, from the top of the hill, you can see just about everything.

They had big fun cruising around with their friends. They would come back and tell me who they saw and talked with. The girls hung around with different friends and even Boop went and played Frisbee with our friend's son. When things got crowded and it started to get dark, they had to stay within eye sight. And they did great.

I even let EG go off with a friend to take a look around the place. Of course, EG was very entertaining. She would toddle around on the hill, loose her balance and fall down. Somebody was just waiting for her to roll all the way down the hill. She just kind of did her own thing. At one point, she put her goldfish crackers in a Frisbee and then added water. I guess she expected them to swim around!

Unfortunately, the fireworks got a late start, so daddy had to leave before they actually began. But, Little Mama cozied up to Grandma. Nature Girl sat with a friend and Boop and EG sat on the blanket with me. Of course the big girls loved the display. Boop was tired and laid down, almost like he was asleep through most of it. And EG, of course, thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread! I would have loved to get a picture of her first expression. Her mouth opened in a big "O". She was amazed. Never once frightened.

We all had a great time. I think it is one of my favorite holidays. Family, good friends, minimal planning and lots and lots of fun . . .