4th of July

This year we broke away a little bit from our usually traditions. As you can see from the picture, we do not have our matching 4th of July shirts. That is what happens out here, when you wait until the last minute to buy things. Everybody was sold out. Oh well, I guess.

We started the day off by going to our local parade. It's a pretty short parade, but the kids don't seem to mind. They love seeing the fire trucks and catching the occasional candy that is thrown their way. Plus it has become a tradition and it wouldn't be the fourth of July with out seeing a parade.

After the parade, we went home and had a war with poppers. This is our second year of buying the poppers and having a war. Matthew and Christopher love to throw them at Ryan and I. They especially love it when they pop on our bare legs. Ouch, it hurts! Okay, really it is just a little hurt. But I of course make a big deal out of it and the boys laugh. Thomas and Joshua love just throwing them down on the ground and hearing them pop.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a barbecue. And for the first time, I was able to try Ryan's famous firecracker burgers. Which was very Yummy! (We usually have a big 4th of July party. The firecracker burgers are usually devoured before I get a chance to eat. But not this year, with moving and still trying to get settled and our crazy, busy lives, we decided not to have a big party.)

This year Ryan lit maybe 5 or 6 fireworks.

As you can see from the picture below. Matthew was very fascinated by the fireworks. After Ryan taught him how to light them, he handed over the lighter and gave Matthew the responsibility of lighting all the fireworks for the night.

Matthew was in his glory. He spent the next two hours lighting the fireworks. He also kept a good eye on his little brothers making sure they didn't get to close. Ryan and I sat back and enjoyed watching the firework show. It was fun to see the kids excitement as they ran back and forth picking out the fireworks they wanted Matthew to light next.

Just a few pictures of the boys enjoying their sparklers. We topped the night off with Root Beer Floats and going to a park to watch our local communities fireworks. It was a fun, relaxing 4th!

I am truly grateful to be an American! We are so blessed to live in this country with all of the freedom and opportunities that abound. It is neat to especially live outside of our Nations Capital. This land is so rich with history. I am grateful for the men and women who sacrifice so much for my family and I to continue to enjoy are freedom in this land.