Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My late 4th of July post.

What a great time we had for the 4th of July weekend. My hubby had family visiting from out-of-town.... his brother and his brother's mother-in-law. (His wife passed away last year.) We also had my dad and one of my brothers over along with most of my kids and my best friend. We had a BBQ... chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers (I guess I should say 'turkey' burgers), potato salad, corn on the cob and baked beans. Yum!

Food, family and fun. They just go together. I prepared for the BBQ most of the morning and cooked while everyone visited. Usually the girls end up in the kitchen while the men entertain themselves... and sometimes even the kids. Everyone having fun and enjoying the company.

For the kids... it's a little like Christmas. They are so excited and ready to burst from anticipation... they just can't wait to light all the fireworks. Baby Boy comes in the kitchen multiple times to tell me how great this one will be or to ask 'Can we light this one now... you can't really see it in the dark?'  Is this where they got the phrase "Christmas in July"?  I wonder...

When darkness finally arrives, we head on out to the end of the driveway. We get our bucket filled with water to douse the used sparklers and other fireworks. We have our trash bag and our broom. We have a lighter, a camera that I don't use because we're too busy lighting fireworks. A couple of camping stools to sit on.... and we're all set.

I think it's funny that every year the kids ask for the bigger fireworks. Mostly because they know I won't buy them. We usually pick out all the smaller 'inexpensive' ones. The way I see it.... I buy the small ones, the kids get to light them - safely, of course - they have a thrill and we get the benefit of watching all of the neighbors' more expensive fireworks. Well... why should we ALL spend a lot of money... right? You can only watch so many at one time. Works for me!

It really was a great show this year. We drove down to the end of our street which happens to be at the edge of the desert/mountain. Most of the neighbors who buy fireworks gather there. And since they're going to light them anyway... well, you know. We watch. It was a great show! Fireworks right above our heads!

Then we all go home... amazed at how it got so late, so fast... and we say our goodbyes. Baby Girl is exhausted as she lays across the bottom step and declares that she can't make it up the stairs. Sleep awaits us all as a welcome end to a wonderful day spent with family.

Can't wait to do it again!


Mary Ann :)

2 comments:

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Mary Ann -

The "late 4th of July post" was worth the wait. It's always nice when family can get together and celebrate.

Mom and I attended a couple of BBQ's, but didn't see any fireworks. You're brave. I don't like lighting them or having them directly over my head.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Mary Ann said...

Thank you, Susan!

I love family gatherings! This was the first time I was so close to the fireworks... it was fun!

I'm glad that you and your mom enjoyed the holiday as well. BBQ's are the best way to celebrate aren't they?

God bless,
Mary Ann :)

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