Happy 3rd of July!

Since the 4th was on a Sunday this year we celebrated a day early.  Our good friends, the Souths, came over for a barbecue and fireworks.  Even though we each had some very grouchy kids, and poor Misty is something like 17 months pregnant, I think we still had a pretty good time. 

After dinner we waited as long as we could for our very own "Driveway of Fire".  We didn't start until 8:30pm or so, so it was still pretty light.  (It doesn't get dark around here until 10pm.)  But we had no choice, as it was either that or face the wrath of several grumpy, overly-excited children.

The boys (both old and young) had been waiting for this all day.  The dads were in charge of the show. The moms were in charge of making sure no one blew themselves up.  It was a good (and appropriate) division of labor.

Poor Josh had had a fever most of the day and wasn't feeling too great.  Nothing, however, could keep him away from the promise of fireworks!  (Seriously, is there anything as sad as a child sick on a major holiday?  I remember my youngest brother being sick on Halloween once.  Talk about disappointment.)

Cole was also sick, but he was put to bed.  No fireworks for the poor, picked on third child!

Spencer, however, was excited beyond words.  He was right in his element and could barely contain himself.  I can only imagine the how much of a pyro he'll be at Scout camp when he grows up.

As I mentioned, Spencer was so happy.  He just couldn't hold still.

We had to remind him - several times - not to go out and get the used fireworks while they were still smoking.  It's a constant battle to keep my children alive.

Here's a video of Spencer's exploits.  He was soooo proud to be able to light one of the fireworks this year!

Here's the whole crew watching one of the fireworks.  If that's not a picture of classic suburbia, I don't know what is.

As you can see, Josh was not a fan of the noise.

And here's just a random picture of the SOLD sign for our home!  It would be a lot more exciting if we weren't all homeless and junk. *sigh*  (Make that *hopeful*sigh*.)

More sparklers interspersed between the 'big' fireworks.

Some of them were quite smokey.

Joshie's blankey helped him feel a little better.

Can you just see the longing in Spencer's posture.  He luvved those fireworks!  What is it about boys and their love affair with fireworks?  It's a mystery I hope to never understand.

Finally, my favorite fireworks warning this year.

It's like, yeah, you should probably get away.  Period.  Not exclamation point.  Period.  Oh well, it tickled me last night.

So we decided with the Souths that next year's festivities should include more people, more food, and - most importantly - more fireworks.  As in the $400 pack at Sam's Club.  Because how AWESOME would it be to buy that?!  (Answer: very.)  Seriously, I've always wondered who spends that much on fireworks, and now I know: people who are having a Fireworks Festival! Or... Fireworks Extravaganza!  Or... 4th of July of Splendidness. 

Okay, the name really needs to be worked on.  But if you'd like to join us (and pitch in on buying the fireworks) let me know.  Because nothing celebrates our independence (and the glory that is capitalism) like literally burning through $400 of entertainment in an hour.