Fourth and Fireworks

Happy Belated Independence Day!

I think I've mentioned before that I'm not one for indulging in how-great-is-America? fests, but I do love a good hot dog and firework display and summer day with my J-Man. Luckily, July 4th gives me all that in one.

Also, it needs to be noted, this year might have had the best weather of my life for the holiday. Eighty degrees without humidity? Where was I, Tacoma?

Anyway, we had a lovely family day. We started with the annual pancake breakfast at the church. I know, what you're wondering: how does she get her non-LDS, non-pancake-eating husband to church at 8am for a social on his day off? One word. Love. He's awesome. It's great. Nuff said.

Then we ventured down south beyond where I teach to go to a barbecue at one of J-Man's former coworker's new homes. It was relaxed and comfortable. Their townhome is huge and new and has a kitchen every non-millionaire in Arlington drools over. We were almost in heaven and thinking, let's jump on this bandwagon. Then we had to hop in the car and drive all the way back. We remembered that we do still love it here close to the city where we don't have to fight crazy traffic to get access. So yeah, we're still signing our lease to stick around for another year and keep enjoying the parks and yard and walking distance to restaurants and easy public transportation (and tiny square footage).

But back to the Fourth. It took a lot to put off lighting up fireworks too early. We had already experimented a bit the day before and it was just enough for PDG and J-Man to be itching to light more things on fire.

Side note: sending J-Man to a firework stand unaccompanied is like sending me to Target solo.  We both leave with more than we need, spending more than we planned, yet somehow proud of what we "saved."

We held firm until around 7:30, distracting ourselves with PDG's newest Netflix fave Mater's Tall Tales. Unlike Super Y it has no educational value, but it's only 35 minutes and I have no clue how non-TV SAHMs do it. Seriously, ladies, how do you? A mama can only handle so many alphabet shows and the concept no TV at all is beyond my level right now. Maybe when I'm getting sleep again...?

Anyway, our neighbors were also debating whether to walk over to the Air Force Memorial or brave their office party in the city so we suggested they hang out with us and enjoy our G-show.  We broke out the sparklers and set off one after another of J-Man's prize purchases.  It was just right for their ages - not too loud or too high and all done by 9pm.  MDG even slept inside through it all!  Then PDG hit the sack, we watched some of the big city ones on TV, and followed right after.

A fourth of July success in my book.