I've done the big July 4th celebrations. When I was a kid, my family would go down to DC to listen to The Beach Boys and stay for the fireworks at the Washington Monument. I don't remember much about it, other than the nasty bathrooms, awful heat and humidity, and my father getting pissed when a stranger tried to stand on our cooler to get a better view of the concert. Let's just attribute that grumpiness to the heat and humidity.
As I got older and lived near the city, Steve and I made our annual trek out to the Mall to watch the fireworks. In fact, my favorite memory of the 4th of July is one year we got tickets to a radio-sponsored event that filled a parking lot with sand and misters, drinks and activities, and some of our favorite local bands. As the evening drew near, a little tipsy and very sweaty, we went closer to the Mall and watched the fireworks. Good times.
I guess the turning point came when Steve and I rode the Metro into DC and got off the train. As we exited the station and saw the crowds, we both kinds looked at each other and turned around to come home. Let's just attribute it to the heat and humidity.
Now that we have children and live further from the city, this is what our 4th of July looks like:
Steve with the kids waiting for the parade.
Our town's parade is typical of any small town. Lots of fire trucks and local scouts, teams, and businesses sponsoring floats. And this year TONS of politicians. It was a very long parade. I think the highlight for the kids is the goodies thrown out by the people on the floats. This year the kids brought home water, necklaces, frisbees, boatloads of candy, and even water balloons!
We are fortunate to have friends who live on Main Street and are always wonderful about inviting us to watch the parade from their yard. Thank you to the Backmans for your wonderful hospitality and the fabulous barbecue following the parade. This was a 4th of July not to be forgotten!
Our family on the stairs of the Backman's home. Lovely!
The evening ended with another barbecue at our neighbors and a fantastic fireworks display a short walk away. I think we saw five or six firework displays from neighboring towns just from our vantage point. It was awesome!
One day we will take the kids to the Mall for the fireworks, but until then we will enjoy this small town's 4th of July festivities and enjoy every minute!
Hope your 4th of July was as much fun as ours!
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