Thursday, July 9, 2009

A quiet Independence Day...

Independence Day is always one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. Because it is the ultimate American holiday and a great reason to party with friends and family. We have a tradition around here to serve ribs on the 4th of July, and this year was no exception. Richard's famous ribs are much anticipated and never disappoint. There were lots of sides to make your mouth water: homemade potato salad, pasta and green bean salad with fresh herbs, homemade rolls that mom has perfected and could sell worldwide, cole slaw...hungry yet? We had quite the holiday feast! And I got to put the flowers from my gardens to good use by creating a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers, topped off with an American flag.

While we did not have a fireworks show of our own, we watched other's shows from our front porch, and I captured a few decent (but not great) shots. Fireworks: the classic ode to freedom. The loud booms and bangs that result in beautiful colors in the sky and never fail to produce oohs and aahs from onlookers. I do not know how many times I have seen fireworks in my lifetime, and I never tire of them. What is the fascination? The kids enjoyed them this year, too. Coulby used to be terrified of fireworks! Even last year he was watching them from behind the safety of the windows. A year changes lots of things, and I guess he is a little bit taller, a little bit older, and a little bit braver!


The kids were so excited about "lots of people" coming over on the 4th, but we really had a quiet holiday. I guess because the 4th fell on a Saturday this year, many people planned their own celebrations. We had mostly family and a few friends come over, and it was actually nice to spend the day together without a huge crowd. We did miss our friends the Mooney's though. They were supposed to be here, but Corrigan ended up being hospitalized as a result of metabolic-related issues, and therefore did not make it. That was the only damper on our holiday. Poor little C was on my mind most of that evening. Maybe next year! He is doing much better now, but keep him and his family in your prayers!


As you can see, Coulby had a blast on the 4th and was so happy to wear his motorcycle shirt. My mother-in-law gave that to him so he had something with red, white and blue to wear, and he absolutely LOVES it because of the motorcycle. All boy for sure. Caroline got to wear cute pom pom hair ties in her pigtails...Gymboree has the cutest little hair things for girls!



I hope you all had a as great a 4th as we did, filled with lots of good food and company! Did anyone get some photos of fireworks? I would love to see them!