The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. It is the only holiday that I do not have to share my kids with other parents, in-laws, etc... I get both kids, their spouses (also known collectively as "the kids") and all 4 grandbabies for as long as they want to stay. All other holidays we have to coordinate with other schedules so that they can all celebrate with everyone they have too. This is pure ME time. And I get to be selfish!!!
They always show up after the kids naps. (If you have met my grandkids, you will know why), we eat picnic style in the yard, house, just wherever you want to sit. We then chat, play games, chase the kids, whatever we want to. This year, the girls were busy helping plan the new kitchen. The walls and rafters are up, so it is easy to see the dimensions and stuff. They do know how to dream big and expensive. I bet the actual kitchen is dialed back a little on the cost.
After dark, the fireworks show begins. You have to be male and at least 9 to be up at the lighting area. Wyatt is the only one so far who qualifies. Tuck likes to make sure everyone knows he only has 5 more years to go and he gets to go with the big boys. The girls and I don't care about being banned from that area, we get to sit and enjoy the show without any responsibility at all. We just keep the other kids on the porch with us and ooh and aah over each display.
About the time the fireworks show is over, each family is usually ready to go home. This year, we had to watch "Jaws" first. Tucker cannot pass up a shark or a dinosaur anything. It was after 11:00 before anyone was even remotely ready to go.
Then the other game of the night begins: (Get your mind out of the gutter, geez) It is who gets to take home the leftovers or how do we split them up. This year we had strawberry pie for dessert. I made 3 whole pies. I didn't even get a piece but I saw some of it leave the house in containers. The kids are always conked out before they get out of our driveway. I love this holiday.
Side note on the 4th of July: We watched a frontier parade on Saturday morning while we were at the Farmers Market. It went right by the market so Sam, Wyatt and I were able to watch while Jenn manned the tent. When a flag went by carried by a man on a horse, I told the kids that they had to stand up and put their hand over their heart as a sign of respect for the flag and all who fight for our freedom. (Sam didn't understand why but she did it anyway). But as the kids and I were standing there while the flag went by, it looked like we started the wave. Everyone else started standing up; Sam told them that was what they were suppose to do as a flag went by. Out of the mouths of babes. She is 3 afterall. I was so proud of her. She may not have known what she did that morning but she boosted a lot of people to remember to show respect for Old Glory and the men and women who fought to keep it flying. Way to go, Sammmie. Nana loves you.
Plus she got a sack full of candy that the parade was throwing. All in all; a very good day.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
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