“I wish every day was the 4th of July!”

So said Emma as we walked to our car from the fireworks… and with good reason. This year, the 4th had everything a great holiday should have: good friends, good food, a nap, sparklers, and a fantastic fireworks show. My friend pointed out a great truth about Independence Day – it's not a lot of preparation, just a lot of fun! So although I'm old enough to know it wouldn't be fun to have EVERY day be the 4th of July, I have to agree that it would be fun to have a few more! Just for fun, here's 4 favorite memories of the 4th (that mostly aren't related to the 4 pictures):

1 – Carter was NOT a fan of the cul-de-sac fireworks show, but he LOVED the big city display. (Good thing, since there were so many people sitting around us to bother if he screamed the whole time!)

2 – Zach stayed awake for the big fireworks for the first time in his life. He loved them, too, and kept saying about a particular firework – "That one looks like Anakin hair!" (Star wars permeates every part of our life these days.)

3 – Emma was the first one to discover 'writing' with sparklers. She was so excited. It reminded me of when I was little – writing with sparklers was my FAVORITE part of the 4th. Next year I will be buying myself a package of sparklers.

4 – Nate and our neighbor had way too much fun with flower fireworks in milk cartons. It was fun just to watch the big boys enjoy themselves as much as the little ones.

5-(okay, didn't plan on 5, but I couldn't forget about "smoky fun".)The kids ran through the smoke from the small fireworks yelling "smoky fun!!!!" after each one went out. It is funny how things never get old with kids.