4th of July

Growing up, the 4th of July was one of the most tradition-filled of all the holidays.  We had a routine that we followed religiously every year (ward breakfast, parade, park activities, BBQ, homemade ice-cream, fireworks at the beach).  Any attempt to deviate was met by firm resistance from all the kids and cousins.  Perhaps the traditions and expectation contributed to the 4th being one of my favorite holidays.

Thus far, we have not established any predictable traditions with our little family.  But we had such a great 4th this year, that it might form the foundation of future holiday celebrations.

One fun thing about the 4th of July are the coordinating kid outfits. 

 Thane's face in this picture cracks me up!

Our ward sponsored a breakfast and Flag Raising ceremony.  In addition to these typical offerings, they also planned a parking lot full of activities for the kids.  It was A-mazing!  There were bubbles, carnival-type games and booths (complete with prizes), face-painting (by a professional artist), fingernail painting (Aubree's favorite), soccer shooting, and sidewalk chalk drawing.  The culminating event? A pinata!  I was so impressed and the kids played for hours.

In the evening we walked down the street to a ward member's home for a neighborhood block party.  Some of our neighbors we'd met previously, but most we hadn't.  Everyone brought food and fireworks to share, and the kids and adults spent the evening making new friends.  Such a great idea!

The only downside to the whole day was the fireworks and explosions that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.  I have NEVER witnessed such intense fireworking.  It was constant, and coming from every direction.  Mark questioned, "how are any of us supposed to sleep?!"  It felt like what I imagine a war-zone to sound like.