Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a safe and happy 4th of July! We'll be heading back to our hometown today to partake in a full day of family festivities.
2009 - Isaiah learning the ropes of family fireworks from his Grandpa
The 4th has always been a big deal in my family. For as long as I can remember, we have gone to my grandparents' house in the morning to throw Snap-Pops on the sidewalk and to set off smoke bombs while my aunts and uncles grilled chicken on several BBQ grills. There is always at least one great-grandkid with something covering their ears if they're at the age where the pops and bangs scare them. After we have gorged ourselves at noon, we head back out to set off some Whistling Dixies, more smoke bombs, and Grandpa might even get out the noise gun used to scare off birds.
2008 - That's baby Isaiah crawling there!
But the best part of the 4th for me comes after the sun goes down. See, every year my family goes in together to buy a lot of BIG fireworks. We used to gather at my Uncle Jack & Aunt Diane's house to put on our display. Their neighbors would invite a bunch of people over (and even started chipping in for the cost) and the local law enforcement would look the other way so they too could enjoy the show. We had it down to a science - 3 ignitors, 2 runners, 1 recorder/evaluator, numerous spectators.
Since my Uncle Jack passed away from cancer in 2006, our annual fireworks display has taken on an even more special meaning. We still gather at what would have been my uncle's house and I know that he is in Heaven, still enjoying (and critiquing) our fireworks show just as he did for so many years.Miss you, Jack.
Happy 4th of July to all of you and stay safe! Do you have any special traditions on the 4th of July that are dear to you? I'd love to hear about them!
