Independence Day

Our fourth of July was wonderful this year.  Except for the heat.  It was very hot.  Got up to 106 degrees.  It's not supposed to get that hot here.  Oh well.  I'm used to it from back home, so it wasn't a complet shock, but I didn't much like it then, and certainly don't like it now.  But that really is the only thing I could even complain about.  All in all, that's pretty good I'd say.

We had a wonderfully relaxing morning at home.  We played games, watched a movie, and just tried to relax.  Then we went over to our dear friend's house around 4:00.  Several families were coming for the party.  Our plan was to hang out in the backyard and let the kids play all sorts of games, many involving water, but it was so hot we mostly stayed inside.  The kids all had lots of fun indoors, so we didn't worry about it.

Everyone brought lots of food, and we grilled some dinner and enjoyed some fabulous sides.  Seriously so much food!  Then a couple more families sort of crashed/stopped by and we all hung out for awhile. The sun got lower and it cooled off by a degree or two, so the kids went out back to play, apparently the heat wan't enough to deter them.  Then several people went to the lake (which was only a block away), along with the dad's and all the kids.  They splashed and played and had a great time.  A few of us moms stayed back to relax and enjoy the cool and quiet house.  Ahhh.  A rare moment on a busy holiday.

The crew came back from the beach and we all got ready to go over to watch the fireworks.  They set off the fireworks over the lake, so most people watch from the beaches.  We walked across the street from our friend's home and set up our blankets and chairs just south of the beach on some grass.  Our view was wonderful, and we didn't have the massive crowds that were gathered on the beach.  Score!

While we waited for and then watched the fireworks, the moon rose above the lake.  It was a magnificent deep orange color, and it reflected across the water.  It was one of the most amazing moons I've ever seen.  I enjoyed it more than the fireworks.

After the show was done, we walked back to our friend's house, and sat around chatting for awhile longer, while the kids wound down watching a cartoon.  By the time we left, the traffic had all dissipated and we were able to easily make it home.  


You've probably noticed the lack of pictures on this post.  Why is that you ask?  Well, we brought our camera with us, and meant to take pictures, but were having so much fun we forgot.  Not very smart, but true.  It's all for the best though.  Because the next day I saw the memory card from our camera sitting next to our computer.  It wasn't even in the camera on the 4th, so we wouldn't have been able to take any pictures anyway.  Oh well.  I guess we weren't meant to capture this holiday on film.  Maybe next year.