Happy 230th Birthday, America!

In spite of all of the heavy duty preparations for a light duty day, it was fun!  The Fourth of July family picnic was at my house again this year.  The patio looked nice, and I was praying that the weather would cooperate so we could be/eat outside.  It was plenty warm and humid, with sprinkles here and there, but it was generally a decent day.

Meg, Nate, and the children arrived about 4:00, and Nate's parents and brother arrived around 5:45.  I put hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs on the grill, and the rest of the menu was typical Fourth of July fare:  potato salad, relishes, veggies, watermelon, and a couple of yummy desserts.  (I think the grandchildren were hungry.  They ate well!)

After dinner, the children played in the sprinkler (naked, at first!), then we rounded everyone up for the walk to Hummel Park, just down the hill from my house, where the fireworks take place.  Robin sat on Grandma Judy's lap with her ears covered, but her eyes agog at the pretty fireworks.  Ryan sat on Grandpa's lap.  He was a hoot to listen to!  His little arms were waving like crazy!  I'm not sure whether he liked the fireworks or not, but he sure was into the explosions.  "Here comes another one!  Boom!  Here comes another one!  Boom!"  I wouldn't be surprised if he said, "Boom!" for every single aerial bomb and blast. 

When it was all over, we walked back to my house and everyone departed for their homes.  I have always loved the Fourth of July celebrations, but we have an expression in education that when the Fourth comes, summer is over (largely because the rest of the summer just flies by).  I hope not.  There are still so many things I want and need to do this season!

Hard to believe that it's been 30 years since the Bicentennial.  Tempus fugit!