After the night we had with our little girl during the last thunderstorm when she tried to cling onto us for dear life, this time - it wasn't bad at all. She didn't seem to mind the storm and just wanted to play. (Would there be hope for the fireworks?!) When it was time to leave the cookout - we hugged our "Good-Byes" and headed for home. We had enough time to grab some snacks and pack the car for the big show. As we loaded everyone in, my husband wondered if we should talk about the fireworks or just let our three year old be completely freaked out at the first boom. We decided to briefly explain how "amazing" the colors and the fireworks were going to be. We drove and told the kids how this was like a big birthday celebration for our country. It was a time to be thankful for our nation and the people and soldiers who have made it what it is today. "Is there a birthday cake?" "No Sweetie, we don't have a birthday cake but that's why we saw our friends today and why we're going to see the fireworks tonight...it's a day to celebrate and remember."
The car was quiet. We didn't know if they were thinking or just plain tired from the day. We pulled up to the field where the show was supposed to be and began to set up shop. Snacks all around, places, a good view...aaaaaaand waiting. It was hot. It was really hot. It kept getting darker and darker and we knew that any second the first sign of light would appear. Finally, "BOOM!" The show started with a huge explosion. The boys about jumped out of their skin and started screaming and cheering. My husband and I looked at our little girl and her eyes were as big as golf balls. "Which way is she going to go with this?" he whispered as we watched for her reaction. "BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" The sky lit up with the most beautiful sights as "ooohs and aaahs" were heard from the crowd. Lauren had enough. Out of nowhere she screamed, "It's TOO LOUD!" as she shoved herself into my husbands chest. "I don't LIKE THAT Daddy!" He hugged her and looked my way. "Should we go?" he asked. We waited a few more seconds and as luck would have it, managed to get her to turn around just as a (are you kidding me?) PINK firework exploded. So help me God it was pink. Lauren dropped her jaw and screamed "Did you see THAT?!" She sat glued to her seat just waiting to see another one. It was about as good as it could get. All four little ones were as happy as bugs and every once in a while I even got to sneak a quick smile with my husband. It was a night we'll always remember.
We headed home and our neighbors were setting off their own fireworks. What could be better? The kids played outside and cheered for each different sound and color. They were loving the fact that the Fourth of July evidently doesn't have a bedtime. It was great to see our friends and neighbors, great to spend the day as a family and great to live one more day in appreciation of our freedom and love for our country...
pink fireworks and all.