Stars, stripes, lights and liberty

So the fourth of July was nice! We obviously had our share of relaxation and food throughout the weekend, which was a nice start to the holiday and a good chance for S and I to reflect on how grateful we are for our independence and what it means to be independent in general. Some good discussions were had, in between the yummies, of course.

We decided to stay local for the fireworks this year, because the town we live 2 minutes away from alternates between doing a fireworks display and another summer event year-to-year, and this year, they were putting on a show!

It was really fun to and sentimental to see homes displaying their flags and other decorations as we drove around town.

I still get excited about the different holidays I remember celebrating growing up and the traditions behind them, like cookouts and sparklers and being out of doors during this time of year, and all of the red, white and blue.

We grabbed a double bacon cheeseburger and some cajun fries before heading to the fireworks display. It was really easy to get parking and enjoy our meal on the lawn, people watching and listening to the craziness around us. There was a band playing Sweet Caroline and Woolly Bully and these other ridiculous songs, and a skate park where the teenagers were congregating.

The fireworks left something to be desired in their finale, but they were really pretty! I always like the gold displays, but this year I really liked the red-white-blue fireworks. They reminded S of the ice cream popsicles that the ice cream man sells in summer.

We also liked listening to the little ones reacting to the fireworks, and the silly things they said. Some were scared, others would scream after every blaze, and one kid, according to S, asked his mom if there were real stars lighting up the sky. Sweet.

It was a fun night, and I was thankful to spend some time with our neighbors in the area enjoying the freedom and liberty that we take for granted every day here in America. Seriously, we a hugely blessed group of people.

Happy Independence Day to us!