Fourth of July

Our big event of the holiday: we lit our own fireworks. Before it was dark.

But we had fun!

We had fun even though the heat was oppressive. And even though our Dad had a high fever. (He amazingly pushed through the middle of a virus to enjoy our fireworks.)

It was the highlight of our son's month!  He has been counting down the days and saving his money to buy fun fireworks.  He lined them up on display on a prominent ledge our house as he purchased them.

Epiphany
This year I realized: I don't plan holidays to impress other people.

I get asked about a thousand times: what are you doing for the holiday or weekend or summer?  It seems like I am supposed to answer with something impressive or unique.  I never feel satisfied with my answers.  

I try to do what's best for our family.  Usually what is best for our family is to try to 'take it easy'.  It seems with all the weddings and funerals and various get-togethers and work functions, we just need time to relax and enjoy one another in a simple way.

So if I don't have an exciting answer to the 'what are you doing' questions, and if I seem boring...it is because I don't try to impress.   I live for us; not for what I can tell everyone else.

You might not understand our funnest times this summer.  Like sitting on the grass under our tarp tent.  Or playing rock and rock. Or trying to hit the window with the flying wheel.  Or making our own little backyard wading pool.  Or starting a rock garden.  Or family wrestling/keep away.

You might not understand how much fun we have doing these things.  And that's ok.  We know.  We get teary-eyed thinking about them.   And we cherish every fun, simple, peaceful time we have together!