One of these days Neil might just give in and do the crazy face picture with us. I am holding on to a deep hope for this, and you better believe that I will be ready to get a picture when it happens. I love Independence Day. This year was the first time ever that we spent it with friends as well as family. It was my Dad’s first year with us and it was also our first year with killer illegal fireworks. Coincidence? Probably. But I’m teaching my kids that there are no accidents in life. It was meant to be.
My friend obliged and took our traditional family pictures that we do every year. Why I have us do our annual for-real family picture when it’s hot and muggy and sunny is beyond me, but it’s now tradition and so completely out of my hands.

Usually our 4th(s) of July have revolved around dinner and fireworks. This year we added our annual blueberry picking trip (because Neil had the day off and we hadn’t gone yet) and a ward party. Both of which were delightful ways to pass the morning. And can I get an Amen for apple bobbing and pie eating contests?

Dinner was a normal burger/hot dog affair with lots of games and talking to get us to dessert which was a build your own sundae bar. The rule was, if it all fit in the bowl it was fair game. Garyn said, “Challenge accepted”. Then we got down to fireworks business. Unfortunately, my sister and her fiance both had to work but we soldiered on with the fireworks they bought us last year.
Ok. Fireworks that go up in the air are so much fun and so much cooler than fountains! Next year I promised Garyn that for his last 4th living at home we would absolutely do the 3 hour road trip to South Carolina to get all the good stuff. He laughed maniacally.

It was weird to be missing the usual family…my grandparents and my mom and sister. It was ok, though, to have friends and new family (my dad). In fact, it highlighted one of the other things I’m trying to teach my kids. The experiences they have are not better or worse than the one’s their friends or siblings may have…they are just different. Different can be pretty awesome too.