It was a big deal in my hometown in Michigan.
We woke up early to line up for the big parade that went down the main street of our town. I was usually dressed up as a character of whichever community theater play I was in. The best year was when I played the part of the fiddler from Fiddler on the Roof, and as I was waving from the float, one child shouted, “Look, mom, he’s a girl!” When I got older, I performed stunts and gymnastics with my cheerleading team in the parade and did back-handsprings down the hard gravel of Wilson Ave.
Finally, we covered ourselves in bug spray in an attempt to avoid the mosquitoes, and caught fireflies on our walk to watch the town fireworks. We sat right under the barn where they launched the fireworks, ooo–ing and aaah–ing over the lit up sky. There was something so special about our whole town being out that day and seeing so many familiar faces.
I hope that our children will one day be able to experience the magic of freedom and festivities.
Unfortunately, my husband is a little bit of a holiday killer. Little bit is probably an understatement. He hates parades, fairs, and fireworks (don’t even get me started on Christmas). I had to coerce him for a half an hour to get him to watch the fireworks with me. I raved about how romantic it would be, and how we could talk and hold hands. However, it was finally his mom that gave him the ultimate guilt trip to convince him to go. I am hoping he will catch the spirit in future years. Because my love for the 4th of July is not going away.
4 Comments
Bummer Troy hates holidays. It is romantic watching fireworks! I said the same thing to JJ as we were laying on our blanket, it was hard for him to see that as we were Lucys personal jungle gym. It sure was fun to hold hands and watch fireworks. I am glad you were able to go. Your hometown sounds fun. I want to go there for 4th of July.
Oh…you are making me miss Grandville…maybe next year and Jorden can join us too! I love 4th of July (sigh) now I just need you guys to help me eat the red, white, & blue star cookies I cut out and decorated. How cute is Blake in his patriotic garb? Only 18 more days until Blake time!
I don’t think I knew that 4th of July was your favorite holiday! What are we going to do with those holiday killers of a husband we both have? You and Blake are so cute in your patriotic outfits! Last but not least…NOT FAIR!!! I want to go out on the boat with you guys. Actually, I’d settle for eating dirt with you guys. I just want to be out there with you!
Great pictures!! Glad that you had such a great 4th of July.